Gilroy – Six suspected gang members were arrested Monday night following a Sunday evening attack on a family at San Ysidro Park, police said. The altercation began after a 15-year-old victim recognized some of the suspects as gang members and police believe the family was jumped over a territorial dispute. The family, which included two females, did not suffer any major injuries, but the fight is evident that tension is still in the air between rival gangs, police said.
Gilroy resident Angel Ramon Lopez, 22, Santa Clara resident Ernie Casarez, 25, and four Gilroy teens ages 17, 16, and two 15-year-olds, were arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, police said.
An officer driving past San Ysidro Park recognized a vehicle matching the suspect’s vehicle from Sunday night’s altercation and detained the individuals. The victims positively identified the suspects in a line up, police said.
“It was a territory thing,” said Sgt. Kurt Svardal.
The family of six was at the park for a Sunday gathering playing handball about 7:56pm when they were approached by six individuals. The 15-year-old victim told police he knew one of the suspects from a dispute the two had more than a year ago.
According to police, the suspects used some gang slurs and attacked the 15-year-old as he was leaving the park. When family members rushed to his aid, an 11-year-old female was pushed to the ground, and other family members including a 41-year-old female, a 14-year-old male, a 36-year-old male, and a 17-year-old male, were hit, punched, and kicked by the suspects. The victim’s Injuries were limited to minor lacerations, bruises and scratches, police said.
The event is similar to an April 16 attack when a man and his son were assaulted while playing handball at Las Animas Park by gang members.
Gang activity had been on the rise between rival Norteno and Sureno members the past few months and Anti-Crime Team members have beefed up suppression tactics to put a lid on gang violence, police said.
