State Park Peace Officer/Ranger

Department of Parks and Recreation

11/1/2012

Special Service Award (Silver)

On November 1, 2012, at approximately 5:40 p.m., State Park Peace Officer/Ranger Evan S. Walter was off duty and attending to personal business at the Chico Mall when he saw a group of possible gang members assembling in front of the mall. Ranger Walter was wary; there had been recent news from the Chico Police Gang Unit about an increase in gang activity and violence in Chico and surrounding areas. Suddenly, two young men started fighting and one repeatedly stabbed the other in the back and side-ribcage. Ranger Walter drew his off duty weapon and intervened, securing the knife, handcuffing the suspect, and holding him until the police arrived. The victim, a 15 year, was transported by ambulance to the local hospital in serious condition. The investigation revealed that two rival local gangs got into a verbal altercation at the mall. The gang member responsible for the stabbing was arrested for attempted murder, as well as committing a crime while participating in a criminal street gang. The victim survived.