Full Notification

Police responded to reports of two stabbings at house parties this Labor Day weekend. On August 30, 2014, at approximately 11:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to Memorial Hospital Los Banos after the victim of a stabbing arrived at the emergency room for treatment.

The victim told police he was having a party at his residence in the 500 block of Birchwood Avenue. The victim was standing in his driveway, when he was confronted by a group of four Hispanic males in their mid to late teens. A verbal exchange occurred between the victim and the group and a gang slogan was called out by the group.

A suspect described only as a Hispanic male, wearing gray shorts and black pants approached the victim and stabbed him at least once.

The group fled the area; last seen running eastbound on Birchwood Avenue following the assault.

On September 1, 2014, at approximately 1:39 a.m., officers responded to the 2100 block of Palermo Drive for a disturbance involving a knife or gun. As the officers responded to the area, a second report was received from staff at Memorial Hospital Los Banos regarding a stabbing victim at the emergency room. The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Officers learned the victim at the emergency room was assaulted at the party in the 2100 block of Palermo Drive. The party quickly grew to a crowd of more than 40 people. A group of four or five males described as gang members arrived and a verbal altercation occurred when the group was asked to leave the party. During the altercation between the unwanted guest and partygoers, at least one person was stabbed.

The victims in both cases were treated and released.

At this time we have no reason to believe the incidents are connected, but Detectives have not ruled out the possibility.

“Social media can quickly lead to a party spiraling out of control. Parents should monitor their teen’s social media accounts and take an active role in knowing their child’s whereabouts. Most importantly, call police at the first sign of trouble.”
- Jason Hedden, Police Commander

The National Crime Prevention Council offers several tips for safety on social networking websites. Visit their website at www.ncpc.org for more information.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sean Bayard at (209) 827-7070, extension 115.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at
www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org