Man Punched, Stabbed in Gang-Related Attack

A man walking home early Saturday morning was punched in the head and stabbed by two men who believed he was a gang member, Ventura police said.

Manuel P. Flores walked home and got a ride to Community Memorial Hospital with his girlfriend after the 4:15 a.m. attack near a Blockbuster video store at 2700 E. Thompson Blvd., said Cpl. Greg Parrish of the Ventura Police Department.

Flores was treated for a stab wound to his side and released, Parrish said.

Police were searching for two men, one with a shaved head and in his 20s, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and about 175 pounds. The man was wearing a black and gray checked shirt and blue jeans, Parris said.

The second man was described only as in his 20s and about 5 feet 5, inches tall.

Flores told police he had been dropped off near the video store and was walking home when the two men approached and asked him his gang affiliation. Flores claims no gang affiliation, Parrish said.

One attacker struck Flores in the head with a fist, causing Flores to fall. The second attacker then stabbed him, Parrish said. Both attackers fled on foot, Parrish said.