Rival gangs fight over Rengstorff Park turf Rival gangs fight over Rengstorff Park turf (August 02, 2002)

By Bill D'Agostino

Two rival gangs got into a scrape in Rengstorff Park Monday afternoon, leaving five members of the two gangs injured.

Four young men, believed to be members of the Sureno gang, were in the park at 3 p.m. when three or four members of the rival Norteno gang shouted "Norte!" and approached them.

After exchanging words about the park -- which Surenos reportedly consider their turf -- the Hispanic gang members began fighting. A broken bottle was used by a Norteno gang member to hit Surenos over the head, police said.

"It was quite a melee from what I understand," Police Agent Tim Boen said. "Once officers began arriving on the scene, individuals ran in all directions."

Five of the juvenile gang members suffered minor head injuries and were taken to local hospitals, Boen noted.

The only other weapon believed to be used was a garbage can lid. No bystanders were involved or hurt during the fight, Boen said.

Surenos reportedly associate with the color blue and wear blue clothing. Nortenos link with red.

So far, only one of the Sureno gang members, believed to have been an aggressor, has been arrested. None of the Nortenos have yet to be arrested.
E-mail Bill D'Agostino at bdagostino@mv-voice.com.