Four arrested in gang fight

Hanford Police have four suspects in custody after a Thursday night gang fight between 30 members of the Surenos and Nortenos left one person with multiple stab wounds.

"We believe we have all the primary suspects in custody," Police Investigator Richard Pontecorvo said.

Juan Hernandez, 22, and Alberto Hernandez, 22, were arrested and booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and gang enhancements.

Two juveniles also were arrested and booked into the Kings County Juvenile Center on the same charges. Their names were not released due to their age.

Police officials may also be looking into stricter charges against the suspects due to the severity of the victim's injuries.

"We are referring this case to the District Attorney's office," Pontecorvo said. "They can add additional charges for whatever they feel is appropriate."

Shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday, a Hanford Police patrol car reportedly came upon members of both gangs armed with baseball bats, golf clubs, sticks and knives engaged in a large fight on the 100 block of East Ivy Street.

As soon as the patrol car turned the corner, members of both gangs scattered in all directions, Pontecorvo said.

Police found an unnamed victim lying on the ground with multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to Hanford Community Hospital and later to Fresno Community Hospital.

He is listed as being in stable condition, according to a police report.

The name of the victim was not released, as he is a juvenile.

"In gang cases, there is always a risk of retaliation and we want to protect the victim as much as possible," Pontecorvo said.

A police investigation and witnesses at the scene identified the four suspects who now are in custody.

Police officials believe the fight was simply provoked by the two gangs being rivals.

The investigation is being handled by Hanford Police, while the gang enhancement charge will be pursued by members of the Kings County Gang Task Force to determine whether the suspects have a past history in either gang.

The reporter can be reached at 582-0471, ext. 3048

(Oct. 20, 2007)