By The Porterville Recorder Staff

Two suspects have been arrested in connection to the attempted murder of a 19-year-old Terra Bella man.

Tulare County sheriff's deputies found Justin Fisher with a gunshot wound after officials responded Saturday to an 11:57 a.m. report of a fight at Terra Bella Elementary School.

Except for Fisher, all individuals involved in the fight were gone by the time deputies got to the school, officials said. Fisher was taken by ambulance to Sierra View Hospital in Porterville and transferred to University Medical Center in Fresno.

The following day, authorities located two suspects. Juan Garcia Parra, 27, and Jose Martin Prado, 20, both of Terra Bella, were arrested for their alleged involvement in the shooting.

An investigation into the shooting by the Tulare County Sheriff's Department revealed the victim was walking across the school grounds when he was confronted by several members of a rival gang. One of those individuals was armed with a firearm, stated a news release. Investigators believe an argument ensued and Fisher attempted to leave the area, but was shot. The bullet struck Fisher in the back. Fisher was listed in serious but stable condition at University Medical Center, officials said.

The case remained under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff's Department.

Contact The Recorder newsroom at 784-5000, Ext. 1044.

This story was published in The Porterville Recorder on Oct. 5, 2006