Man Seriously Injured in El Rio Stabbing

A man was stabbed and seriously wounded Friday in what authorities believe may be the latest in a series of attacks tied to Oxnard gangs.

The man, whose name and city of residence were not released, was in the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant in the 2800 block of Vineyard Avenue about 2 p.m. when he began fighting with unknown assailants.

The victim, who is believed to be in his 20s, was stabbed in the abdomen. A friend drove him to St. John’s Regional Medical Center, authorities said.

Eric Nishimoto, a spokesman for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, described the injuries as serious and said the victim was in surgery for several hours.

Capt. Mike Noguera said sheriff’s detectives believe the stabbing was gang-related and is part of a recent spate of violence.

From Nov. 10-18, six shootings were reported in Oxnard and one in El Rio.

Oxnard Police Cmdr. Tom Chronister said detectives had consulted with investigators from the Sheriff’s Department on Friday.

“Our big concern is that they’re all related,” Chronister said.