LA HABRA : Suspect Sought in Street-Brawl Case

Police on Monday asked for the public’s help in locating a man who apparently was involved in a street brawl that left one man dead and two others wounded.

Mario Valenzuela, 25, of La Habra is wanted on an arrest warrant charging him with assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the March 26 fight.

He is also wanted for questioning in the death of Kevin Iossi, 20, of La Habra, who was fatally stabbed during the altercation, said La Habra Police Sgt. Mike Moore.

Iossi was killed when he and three friends became involved in a fight with Valenzuela and another man, Felipe Moreno, 23, a known gang member from La Habra, police said.

During the fight, Valenzuela and Moreno apparently attacked the four unarmed men with a knife and a wooden club, police said. Police declined to say who held which weapon.

Chris Sanders, 30, and Richard Riggin, 20, both of La Habra, suffered stab wounds in the fight. The fourth man in their group, Henry Rodriguez, was unharmed.

Moore said the fight, which occurred on the 400 block of North Valencia Street, may have started when Moreno accused Rodriguez of belonging to a rival gang. Police have found no evidence that Rodriguez is a gang member.

Several hours after the fight, Moreno was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, police said.

Valenzuela, also known as Pequino, was described as being about 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, with a muscular build. He has several tattoos, including a star on his right elbow, a rose on his left forearm, the letter “M” on his right bicep and Jesus on a cross on the left side of his chest.

Police have requested that anyone with information call Detective Ray Breur or Moore at (213) 905-9750. Calls can be made anonymously.