A 12-year-old boy was shot in the head and his 13-year-old friend was stabbed while they were trick or treating in East San Jose on Halloween night. San Jose police believe the attack was committed by members of a street gang.

"The motive appears to be gang-related,'' police spokesman Sgt. Ronnie Lopez, a spokesman for the department, said this afternoon. ''But there's nothing to indicate the two victims were members of any gang.''

Lopez said the 12-year-old remains in "grave condition'' at a local hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. The 13-year-old was sent home after treatment for his wounds, which were not life-threatening.

Police declined to identify the victims or release details of the attack because detectives were still looking for leads and suspects.

Lopez said police officers rushed to the area of Story Road and Hopkins Drive after receiving a call about a shooting at around 10 p.m. He said officers found two victims, both dressed in Halloween costumes and bleeding. The attackers by then had fled.

Lopez said anyone with information about the attack should call detective Mike Brown at 408-277-5283. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the police department's Crime Stoppers hotline at 408-947-STOP.

Contact Joe Rodriguez at 408-920-5767.


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