Brawl in La Habra Injures 7 or More; Police Suspect Gangs
At least seven people were injured Sunday night during a melee on a La Habra street that involved a large group of suspected gang members, many armed with knives, police said.
La Habra police said they had not determined how many people were involved in the fight, which was reported about 7:30 p.m. by several residents in the 300 block of Grace Avenue. Two victims were so badly hurt that they were taken to hospitals by helicopter, police said.
The victims ranged in age from 15 to 29 and included at least one female, said Cindy Knapp, a La Habra police spokeswoman. Police believe the fight was gang-related but the specific motive remains under investigation, Knapp said.
No arrests had been made by late Sunday night.
Officers planned to interview victims at several area hospitals, Knapp said.
Residents said Sunday’s fight marked an escalation of trouble in a neighborhood long plagued by gang activity and drug dealing.
“There was people running everywhere. They were screaming, running all over,” said Jose Ruiz, a neighborhood resident.
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