SPARKS -- A man has been arrested in connection with a stabbing that occurred during the 4th of July celebration event in downtown Sparks.

Sparks detectives have continued working this investigation and have been able to interview the involved parties on multiple occassions. 

On July 4th, 2012, the victim, Mr. Flores, was believed to have been extremely intoxicated and attempted to provoke a fight with a 13 yr old juvenile while verbally using some gang terminology. The juvenile's father came to his aid and became involved in a physical fight with the subject. There is no information indicating the juvenile or his father are associated to any gang.

The investigation has determined that the suspect ,Elmo Montoya, stabbed the victim Mr. Flores multiple times during a physical altercation.  During this initial altercation, Mr. Montoya's 13 year old son was also stabbed unintentionally by his father.  After the initial altercation, Mr. Flores left the area but was pursed by Mr. Montoya.  Mr. Montoya stabbed Mr. Flores again during a second altercation. 

On July 17th, Elmo Montoya was contacted and arrested without incident and charged with Battery with a Deadly Weapon. 

Police have not released any further information

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED STORY BELOW

On July 4th, 2012, at approximately 11:35 p.m. an officer working the Fourth of July event in downtown Sparks located a 23 yr old male with multiple apparent stab wounds in the 400 block of 12th street. Initially, the subjects injuries appeared grave and he was transported to Renown Medical Center where he underwent surgery.

Officers followed a trail of blood around the corner ending in the 400 block of 11th street. Officers located a male who told officers he had been in an altercation with the subject and ultimately stabbed him.

Sparks Detectives interviewed several witnesses who provided information that the victim may have actually been the one who initially instigated the altercation and produced the knife.

The victim is believed to have been extremely intoxicated and attempted to provoke a fight with a 13 yr old juvenile while verbally using some gang terminology. The juvenile's father came to his aid and became involved in a physical fight with the subject. The 13 yr old was also stabbed during the incident and was treated for some superficial wounds. There is no information indicating the juvenile or his father are associated to any gang.

The initial stabbing victim is recovering at Renown Medical Center and his injuries no longer appear as serious as originally thought. Detectives recovered the weapon used during the incident and continue to interview witnesses in an effort to find out what lead up to the stabbing.

Sparks Detectives would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the incident. SPD Detectives can be reached at 353-2225. Anyone with information can also remain anonymous by calling Secret Witness at 322-4900.