Teenager Stabbed Near Cottage Hospital

Yet another gang stabbing occurred in Santa Barbara on Friday night, February 15, this time in the area near Cottage Hospital. A 16-year-old member of one of the unorganized West Side “scavenger” gangs was stabbed during a fight near the corner of De la Vina and Nogales streets. His wounds were not life-threatening, but this is the second time he’s been stabbed, said Sergeant Gorre of the Santa Barbara Police Department. He was first hospitalized in November 2006, and was charged with violating his probation. The suspects are on the loose.

Officer K. Hove was on-scene, and said that wannabe scavenger gangs are intrigued by the lifestyle of the gangsters. They don’t want to be “disrespected” and want to get some recognition and power, he said. He continued that even though these juveniles don’t carry firearms, it is just a matter of time before they form an allegiance for a common purpose, usually involving delinquent or criminal activity.

“Family and the community are essential in the prevention of gang activity in Santa Barbara, and share responsibility for teaching kids conflict resolution programs to decrease this nonsense,” he said on Friday night while investigating the scene.

Anyone with information about the suspects or the incident should contact the Santa Barbara Police Department’s anonymous tipline at 569-2677.