Pair Beaten and Stabbed in Alleged Gang Attack

Two men were beaten and stabbed, one critically, early Saturday when five gang members attacked them as they walked down a street, authorities said.

Burbank police declined to release the identities of the two victims, both Burbank men in their 20s, citing concerns for their safety. One remained in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital Saturday and the other was treated and released, Det. Brent Dyrness said.

They were attacked about 12:40 a.m. in the 1300 block of North San Fernando Road, Dyrness said.

The five assailants, described by Dyrness as “admitted gang members,” approached them, initiated an argument, then beat and stabbed them, he said.

Police responding to reports of the fight arrested Benito Perales, 20, of Burbank, Elias Lira, 20, of North Hollywood, Eddie Ramirez, 18, of Pacoima and two juveniles near the scene and in possession of the knife allegedly used in the attack, Dyrness said.

Perales, Lira and Ramirez were being held in the Burbank City Jail, and the juveniles were taken to Sylmar Juvenile Hall, all on suspicion of attempted murder. Bail was set at $500,000 for each, Dyrness said.

They are scheduled to be arraigned Friday.