Gang fight leaves two in critical condition

Huntington Beach police are investigating what caused a clash between rival gangs that left two men fighting for their lives with critical stab wounds, authorities said.

Police call logs show residents reported a “gang war” early Saturday among as many as 40 people in the 19800 block of Margate Lane, near Brookhurst Street and Adams Avenue.

When police and medics showed up to the scene, they found two people who had been stabbed, police Lt. Dave Bunetta said.

The victims were rushed to “nearby hospitals,” he said. Neither the names, nor information on the hospitals involved have been released for safety reasons, Bunetta added. Both are in critical condition and “not stable,” he added.

Though officers found several witnesses at the scene, they did not arrest anyone, Bunetta said. Investigators are still looking for information.

Bunetta confirmed early reports that the stabbings were gang-related.

“It appeared there was a party at a residence,” he said. “It looked like some members of a rival gang confronted some of the partygoers. That’s when the stabbing occurred. What exactly started the confrontation, we’re still investigating.”

Police are still interviewing witnesses, and anyone with information on what happened is asked to call (714) 536-5951.

MICHAEL ALEXANDER may be reached at (714) 966-4618 or at [email protected].