Sheriff’s investigators arrested three juveniles accused of
randomly attacking a football player after the Sept. 9 game at Andy
Hardin Field
– believed to be an attempt to show gang allegiance, according
to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff’s investigators arrested three juveniles accused of randomly attacking a football player after the Sept. 9 game at Andy Hardin Field – believed to be an attempt to show gang allegiance, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
Deputies responded to a fight in progress after the game in a parking lot next to San Benito High School’s field. As deputies arrived on scene, several suspects ran from the area. Three juvenile suspects were identified by witnesses as being involved in the altercation, and were subsequently arrested.
The juvenile victim was struck many times in the head and face and needed medical attention.
Investigators determined that two other juvenile suspects were involved and left the area prior to deputies arriving. Both juvenile suspects were later located and arrested. It appears to be gang related, according to authorities. The motive, according to statements, was to “demonstrate their gang allegiance by attacking the first football player they saw coming out of the football stadium.”
The five juvenile suspects are facing charges of felony battery and potentially other allegations.
The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office noted that it will be using local grant funding to support additional staffing at the football games throughout the season to focus attention on any gang activity that may develop.
If anyone who may have witnessed the attack, or has information that may be helpful, is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 831-636-4080, or utilize our crime tip line of 831-636-4084.
