Reputed gang member arrested in screwdriver stabbing

A reputed gang member has been arrested on suspicion of stabbing a man five times with a screwdriver outside an Altadena restaurant, law enforcement authorities said Monday.

Juan Jose Cortez, 27, was being held Monday night at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Altadena Station on $300,000 bail, according to online booking records.

Department officials alleged that Cortez approached the victim Thursday as he was getting out a car with his family.

Cortez began arguing and removed his shirt, exposing a gang tattoo, officials said in a statement.

“The suspect announced he was from a local gang as he tried to punch the victim,” officials said.

Sheriff’s officials said the two began to scuffle and the victim was attacked with the screwdriver. He received puncture wounds and lacerations on his lower back and a small cut on his arm.

The victim drove to a hospital, where he was interviewed by detectives. Cortez was arrested Friday.

Any witnesses are asked to call detectives at (626) 798-1131.

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