On Friday, January 14th, a group of suspected gang members had an altercation with a group of alleged college students at a park in Canyon Country. According to reports, the group of “students” (who identified themselves to deputies as a “group of friends”) met up at Todd Longshore Park near midnight. As the group was sitting at the park, three individuals approached them and asked about gang affiliations.
The confrontation escalated into a full-fledged fight until one of the suspected gang members allegedly pulled a gun from his pants and asked who wanted to get shot. They then told the group of “students” that the park was part of their gang’s territory and fled the scene in a Kia.
Deputies responded to the scene after the victims reported the incident themselves. Shortly thereafter, deputies made contact with the Kia and arrested the three people inside. A gun was also reportedly found inside the vehicle. The suspects are 21, 18, and one was a minor whose age was undisclosed. The 21-year-old posted bail, the 18-year-old remained in police custody (as of Monday), and the status of the minor is unknown.
While it may seem odd that the group of “students” met up at the park at that time of night, there were no reports that they were up to no good, and it’s quite possible that their reason for being at the park late at night was completely innocent.
The charges that the alleged gang members face are unclear, however, if it is proven that they were gang members, they may face harsher sentences should they be convicted of any crimes. California Penal Code 186.22 PC prohibits street gang activity. Anyone who participates in a street gang and commits a crime to benefit the gang, or furthers a felony, is subject to stricter sentencing – in some cases life in prison.
