Officials in search of Hispanic male in his early-30s, 5-foot,
7-inches, and 260-pounds in connection with attack on
16-year-old
Gilroy – Police have identified a suspect they believe is responsible for one two unrelated stabbing attacks Monday afternoon. The two victims continue to recover from the brazen daylight attacks.
A 16-year-old San Jose teen was stabbed in the lower abdomen in an apparent gang-related attack at the intersection of Garlic Farm Way and Bolsa Road about 12pm. Police are searching for three men they believe were involved.
A 39-year-old Gilroy man suffered stab wounds to both his chest and abdomen after being involved in a verbal altercation in the 500 block of Fairview Avenue, police said.
Police are searching for a 5-foot, 7-inch, 260-pound, Hispanic male in his early 30s witnesses described as the victim’s attacker. The man is known to police, however, the suspect’s name is being withheld until the victim positively identifies him and can give an account of what happened. Police will likely be able to interview the victim today.
“It just depends on how his medical condition improves,” explained Gilroy Police Sgt. Kurt Svardal.
The victim underwent surgery upon arriving at the hospital Monday and has been unable to speak with police since.
Several knives were collected that may have been used in the attack and have been sent for testing at San Jose’s crime laboratory.
According to police, the two men were standing outside one of the apartment complexes about 2:30pm when the argument turned bloody.
Police are trying to determine a motive for the stabbing.
A female acquaintance of the victim drove him to the emergency room at Saint Louise Regional Hospital where employees called the police department.
Meanwhile, police are still searching for three Hispanic males in their 20s who witnesses told police stabbed the teen before taking off in a maroon SUV.
“We are investigating this as a gang crime,” Svardal said.
Police are trying to determine why the teen was not in school and why he was in Gilroy at the time.
He was seen walking with another man when the SUV pulled over. According to police, there may have been words exchanged before the victim was stabbed. He was airlifted to a San Jose area hospital.
Anti-Crime Team investigators are actively working on the case and will be on alert for additional gang-related activities.
“One of the problems you have with gang violence is retaliation, and absolutely we don’t want that.” Svardal explained.
