SPARKS -- Police are investigating a stabbing in which a man and a juvenile were stabbed during an altercation.

Last night at around 11:35 p.m. an officer working the Fourth of July event in downtown Sparks located a 23-year-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.