USC-UCLA fan rivalry a factor in Rose Bowl stabbings, police say [Updated]

It took Pasadena police more than 15 minutes to break up a brawl in the Rose Bowl parking lot Saturday before the USC-UCLA football game, according to authorities.

The melee, which sent two people to the hospital with stab wounds and left two officers with minor injuries, broke out about 4:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 1 on the north side of the Rose Bowl.

[Update 9:40 p.m.: Pasadena police have identified the men arrested as Arturo Cisneros, 44, Joshua Elder, 23, and Steven Radu, 27. Authorities at first said all three men were being held on suspicion of attempted murder, with bail set at $1 million. They later said the three men were initially arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. The allegation against Cisneros was later upgraded to attempted murder, according to a watch commander. Elder and Radu were being held on suspicion of assault on a police officer.]

Police responding to a 911 call found 50 to 75 people brawling, Cmdr. Darryl Qualls said. They called for reinforcements and eventually subdued the crowd, but one officer emerged with a strained wrist and another with a minor injury to his ankle, he said.

One man was stabbed in the cheek, and another in the back.

"We believe this started as a USC-UCLA fan issue, combined with alcohol, which led to a fight, which eventually led to the stabbings," Qualls said.

RELATED:

3 held in stabbing during brawl before USC-UCLA game

-- Mike Hiserman reporting from the Rose Bowl and Alan Zarembo reporting from Los Angeles

 

Comments

[Greg Maragos Is An Idiot]

rowdy trojan fans

[sethook]

Why do the police always have to end natures attempt to thin the herd of idiots? Let them fight to the death and then just sweep up the filth. It's not like these people add to the gene pool or make the area a better place.

[anonymous]

idiots, prosecute those with knives to the fullest extent of the law.

[Trojan4life]

Game time should be returned to 12:30 kick off but it probably wont happen since the universities are more concerned about making money off television contracts than the safety of their fans. Last years crosstown rivalry at the Coliseum which kicked off at 7 p.m involved many fights and arrest as well.

[Tina]

So stupid. Definitely prosecute them. And to think that they basically got all upset over which of these two terrible teams sucks less!

[Gregory Hill]

I am so Glad Bedlam was nothing like this, Sportsman ship can be gained by Mutual Respect!!! OU -vs Nebraska is an example!!!