Crime & Safety
One Arrested for Christmas Hill Park Gang Fight
Several hundred people were at the park one day in August when a gang brawl broke out and one shot was fired.
By Bay City News
A Gilroy man was arrested in connection with an alleged gang-related fight and shooting that occurred at Christmas Hill Park in August, according to police.
The fight occurred Aug. 19 at a time when several hundred people were gathered in the park, including several gang members and their associates, according to Sgt. Joseph Deras.
As others arrived at the park, words were exchanged between two groups and a fight broke out, Deras said.
During the fight, a suspect later identified as Maciel Duarte, 18, allegedly brandished a weapon, causing his rivals to flee. A short time later a second group arrived, possibly associated with the first group that fled, Deras said.
A second fight broke out and Duarte again brandished his gun and attempted to fire it. The gun jammed, but he was allegedly able to fire a single bullet into the ground, Deras said.
Duarte, who is on active probation, was identified as a suspect by investigators and arrested today on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm, brandishing a firearm, giving a false identification to peace officers and violation of probation. Investigators plan to forward charges including a gang enhancement allegation to Santa Clara County prosecutors.
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