2 stabbings reported near Taste of Soul festival in Crenshaw; LAPD Citywide Tactical Alert Canceled

CRENSHAW, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Two stabbings were reported Saturday near the Taste of Soul festival in the Crenshaw area, as Los Angeles police issued a citywide tactical alert that remained in effect for several hours, authorities said.

The first stabbing was reported around 2:45 p.m. at the Taste of Soul festival near Crenshaw Boulevard and West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, according to police. Authorities said a group of people were involved in a fight for reasons that remain unclear and at least one person was stabbed.

Police said the victim and the group of suspects fled the scene. The investigation is still ongoing.

A second stabbing was later reported near the event. The Los Angeles Fire Department said one person was taken to the hospital with possible stab wounds after officers responded to reports of a stabbing in the 4200 block of Crenshaw Boulevard.

Authorities have not said whether the two stabbings are related.

Police also confirmed a call involving a large group of people came in at 5:34 p.m. near Crenshaw Boulevard and Stocker Street in Leimert Park. The LAPD’s citywide tactical alert remained in effect for several hours Saturday evening, but was then lifted just after 9:30 p.m.

Taste of Soul organizers said the police activity occurred outside the festival grounds and did not disrupt the event.

“Police activity took place on the outskirts of the event,” organizers said. The incidents “did not impact operations” and the event “ended as planned.”

Authorities have not released additional details about these two stabbing attacks. The circumstances surrounding both incidents remain under investigation.

This is breaking news. More details will be added as more information becomes available.