Man hospitalized after stabbing near Tulare Christmas parade, police say

TULARE, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man was hospitalized after he was stabbed near the Christmas parade in Tulare on Thursday night.

The stabbing happened around 7:40 pm in the downtown area.

Tulare police say it was originally reported to be a shooting, but have since clarified that no shots were fired.

"There was a heavy police presence already in the area. The officers in the area did not hear any shots fired, so we were quickly able to determine that that was not the case," explained Tulare Police Sgt. Rosa Moreno.

Officers say a man in his 20s was stabbed during a large fight, which is suspected to be gang-related.

He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries

Chairs, a stroller, and other personal items left abandoned on the street as people looked for cover.

"Just frantic, like literally frantic. Kids were coming in screaming saying there's a shooter, there's a shooter. Nobody knew what really was going on. I looked out the window and you just see people running everywhere," said a witness named Rachelle.

Police worked to reunite parents and children after they were separated during the chaos.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information or video of the incident is asked to call the Tulare Police Department.

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