Teen Stabbed and 2 Friends Beaten in Attack at Restaurant

A Thousand Oaks teen-ager was stabbed and two of his friends were kicked and beaten with pipes during an attack by about 15 apparent gang members in front of a Thousand Oaks restaurant Friday night, authorities said Saturday.

The attack, seen by about 100 people after Westlake High School’s victory over Ventura High, occurred about 11 p.m. in front of Hudson’s Grill restaurant on Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

Witnesses said two teen-agers, apparently gang members, approached a 17-year-old Westlake High player, one of dozens of players and coaches who were eating at the restaurant or gathered outside.

After a verbal confrontation, the teen-agers began hitting the football player. He struck back, and two of his friends jumped to his aid.

The attackers then whistled toward a group of their friends gathered nearby, and about 15 to 20 teen-age boys and girls carrying pipes and bats rushed into the melee, striking the football player and his two friends repeatedly.

The mother of a football player came between the attackers and broke up the brawl, witnesses said, and the attackers ran away.

One of the victims, who suffered a minor stab wound to the chest, was treated at Westlake Hospital Friday night and released. The other two victims suffered head and hand injuries.

Ventura County sheriff’s deputies said Saturday they had no motive or suspects and did not expect to make arrests soon.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of those involved in the attack. Callers may remain anonymous. Anyone with information should call 494-TALK.