Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Saturday, March 24, 2007

Gang fight leads to charges

By DAN SPRINGER / La Crosse Tribune

Felony charges are pending against a La Crosse teen accused of taking part in the gang-related beating of a Holmen, Wis., teen Thursday evening.

The injured 16-year-old told police he was attacked by several members of the gang “Crazy Hmong Boys” while walking in the 1000 block of South Ninth Street about 8:50 p.m. Thursday, La Crosse police report.

The teen said he was punched, kicked and struck with a metal rod and plastic flower pot.

Three teens later admitted they were at the fight. They said the injured teen is a member of the gang “Oriental Thugs” and was attacked because he damaged vehicles belonging to members of their gang.

During an appearance Friday in La Crosse County Circuit Court, Assistant District Attorney Tim Gruenke said Nhu Vue, 18, of 227 Liberty St., Apt. 4, admitted he was driving a group of gang members who were looking for a fight with a rival gang.

Gruenke said prosecutors need more time to review police and medical reports before filing charges against Vue.

La Crosse County Circuit Judge John Perlich continued the case until Tuesday and ordered Vue held on a $1,500 cash bond.

Juvenile charges are pending against two males, a 16-year-old from Onalaska, Wis., and a 13-year-old from Holmen, according to police.

Dan Springer can be reached at dspringer@lacrossetribune.com or (608) 791-8269.