Robbery Attempt Tied to Gang Feud, Police Say

In the latest incident in a gang feud, a 17-year-old boy was attacked in a park near Thousand Oaks High School by a 16-year-old trying to steal his jacket, authorities said.

The victim, described by authorities as a gang member from Newbury Park, was punched in the face during the scuffle about 2 p.m. Friday at Thousand Oaks Community Park on Moorpark Road.

The attacker and his associates fled before sheriff’s deputies arrived.

Later Friday, a 16-year-old boy from Thousand Oaks was arrested by sheriff’s gang investigators on suspicion of attempted armed robbery and taken to Juvenile Hall.

Sgt. Mike De Los Santos said the attack was part of an ongoing feud between two local street gangs.

On Wednesday, gang members fought at Thousand Oaks High during lunch, he said. School officials contacted authorities, and one of the boys was taken into custody on suspicion of battery and released to his parent, De Los Santos said.

The others were suspended from school.

Later Wednesday, associates of the 17-year-old who was the victim in Friday’s robbery attempt waited for rivals after school and assaulted them, De Los Santos said.

School officials and deputies did not catch any of the participants, authorities said.