Gang member arrested after beating man unconscious in Porterville | YourCentralValley.com

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A gang member was arrested Saturday after a man was found beaten unconscious in a Porterville parking lot in early May, the Porterville Police Department said.

Police said that on May 1 around 8:30 p.m., they went to the parking lot of a shopping center in the 1300 block of West Henderson Avenues regarding a physical altercation.

Upon arrival, responding officers reported an unconscious male who appeared to have suffered blunt force trauma. He was transported to a local hospital and officers learned the suspect had fled before their arrival.

Detectives eventually identified the suspect as Gabriel Avendano, 22, of Porterville, a known criminal street gang member, and an arrest warrant was obtained.

Saturday at 7 p.m., police said Avendano was found in the 1100 block of North Lu Ann Street, where he was arrested after trying to flee from detectives.

Detectives report Avendano was arrested on suspicion of battery resulting in serious bodily injury and an additional arrest warrant for violent crimes.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Porterville Police Department at 559-782-7400.