Christmas Tree Lane stabbing suspect arrested

Nicolas Allen Prado

FRESNO – An arrest was made in the stabbing that took place at a crowded holiday hot spot earlier this month.

Nicolas Allen Prado, 19, was taken into custody by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department on Dec. 27 in connection to the stabbing on Christmas Tree Lane on Dec. 13 near the intersection of Van Ness and Griffith. Prado’s bail was set at $25,000 and he was released from jail on bond on Dec. 28.

The incident happened in a crowded area as families strolled down Christmas Tree Lane, a two-mile stretch from Shields Avenue to Shaw Avenue filled with holiday light displays. Usually visitors enjoy the lights by driving through the area, but the lane also has at least two “walk only” nights. The stabbing took place on this year’s second “walk only” night.

According to authorities, the incident happened around 8:30 p.m. when a large group of young people started fighting in front of a nativity scene. Someone who called 911 reported that one person fell to the ground and others ran away.

The victim, a 17-year-old boy, was stabbed in the abdomen, police said. He was taken to Community Regional Medical Center on the night of the incident. He has since returned home, said sheriff’s spokesperson Chris Curtice.

Witnesses identified Prado as the stabbing suspect, and the sheriff’s department arrested him at his apartment in the 3500 block of North Fruit Avenue. The incident appears to be gang related.

Fresno's usually peaceful Christmas Tree Lane

“Both sides were street gang members,” Curtice said, referring to the victim and suspect.

Prado was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. He is scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing on Jan. 12.

Curtice said there are “no other suspects at this time.”

Read More:

The Fresno Bee: Christmas Tree Lane stabbing suspect bails from jail

KSEE24 News: Fresno Man Arrested for Christmas Tree Lane Stabbing