Mancini Park stabbing started as fight between kids, then escalated into violence with adults

A stabbing at Mancini Park in Modesto on Sunday afternoon sent one person to a local trauma center, according to officials.

Modesto Police Department officers first responded to reports of a fight at about 2:30 p.m., but while they were on the way they received word that someone was stabbed.

They found a man with two stab wounds. He is expected to survive, said Sharon Bear, spokesperson for MPD.

Bear said that a “small altercation” between children happened during a soccer game at the park. The altercation escalated into a physical fight that involved adults. After the situation calmed down, the stabbing suspect walked away.

The person who reported the fight noticed damage to her vehicle. While she and a family member addressed the situation, the suspect returned and allegedly stabbed the family member twice from behind, then fled the scene, according to Bear.

Officers are looking for a blue Chevrolet truck connected with the suspect. Anyone with information regarding the stabbing is urged to contact Crime Stoppers by texting “StanCS” to 738447, calling 1-866-602-7463 or 209-521-4636. Tips can also be submitted online at stancrimetips.org. Reports can be done anonymously.