Possibly gang related

MOSES LAKE - A 20-year-old Moses Lake man was reportedly assaulted by approximately eight people Tuesday night in Moses Lake.

The eight suspects are described as Hispanic, between the ages of 18 and 20, and were reportedly seen inside a mini-van on Juniper Drive behind the Sage and Sand Motel, Moses Lake Police Capt. Dave Ruffin said.

The driver of the mini-van allegedly confronted the victim and asked him if he was a member of a Northtino gang, police Capt. Jim Jenkins said. The victim reportedly advised he was not a member.

The Northtino gang does not appear to be based in the Columbia Basin, according to Jenkins.

The driver of the mini-van was the first subject to hit the victim, Ruffin reported. The driver was reportedly wearing a white plastic mask over his face.

The driver allegedly called out to the other subjects in the mini-van and stated the victim was a Northtino. Approximately seven subjects exited the mini-van and assaulted the victim.

A female in a different van saw the victim and gave him a ride to Samaritan Healthcare, according to a police statement. It is unknown if the female saw any of the attack, police have been unable to reach her.

The attack remains under investigation.