Youth Stabbed, May Be Paralyzed
A 13-year-old National City boy was stabbed Friday evening in an attack by gang members that authorities say might have paralyzed him.
Officers said the boy, who was not identified, was playing basketball with two friends in a park in the 3900 block of Stockman Street about 7 p.m. when two cars containing several gang members pulled up and began shouting taunts and insults.
“He and his friends immediately began to run away,” said National City Sgt. Gary McMurray. “This boy was the slowest one, so the gang members caught up with him and knocked him down.”
Police said a gang of about 8 to 10 youths demanded the boy’s jacket and tennis shoes. When he complied, they began kicking and beating him. He was also stabbed in the back, an injury that authorities fear might have injured his spinal chord, rendering him paralyzed.
He was taken to Children’s Hospital in San Diego.
The weapon used in the assault was not found; the investigation is continuing.
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