After two unrelated stabbings in Fresno on Thursday night, Fresno police announced an increased law enforcement presence at River Park.
Three juveniles were stabbed at River Park and taken to the hospital for treatment. Fresno Police Lt. Larry Bowlan said two arrests have been made.
He emphasized that maintaining safety in busy public areas, particularly River Park, remains a priority for the department.
“We already had plans in place to have additional officers working in the city this holiday weekend,” Bowlan said. “To show a heavier presence in our city to prevent issues from occurring, this includes additional patrol officers working across all five districts, along with multiple officers assigned to our traffic unit, patrol tactical teams, and MAGEC officers.
“These extra resources will be patrolling city streets and neighborhoods, shopping centers, parks, and events we are made aware of. River Park will be one of those locations that sees a heavier police presence starting Friday.”
Art Hop incidents
Police said one fight during Art Hop occurred near Fulton and Kern, where a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in the leg and shoulder.
The injuries were non-life-threatening; the victim is in stable condition.
Bowlan said that up to four men allegedly assaulted the teen, but no suspects have been identified.
Another fight broke out near Fulton and Inyo involving several men and women. No suspects have been identified.
An 18-year-old was stabbed in the shoulder; she was treated at a hospital and released. A 29-year-old assault victim got a broken nose, Bowlan said.
River Park incident
Officers responded to a fight in front of the Regal Edwards Theatres at the River Park Shopping Center around 10:10 p.m. The altercation involved two groups of juveniles.
Police later received calls about stabbing victims being taken to the hospital in private vehicles. Officers located the vehicles and conducted a stop near East Nees and North Blackstone avenues.
Many of the juveniles involved fled before officers arrived, Bowlan said.
Officers located three stabbing victims. All were taken to hospitals for treatment:
A 14-year-old boy with a stab wound to the abdomen.A 15-year-old girl with a stab wound to the upper back.A 13-year-old girl with a stab wound to the hip.
All are listed in stable condition.
Police arrested two juveniles in connection with the incident. Both were charged with assault with a deadly weapon and booked into the Juvenile Justice Center. Investigators also recovered a knife at the scene.
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Anthony Galaviz writes about sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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