(April 25, 2008)

TAFT--In and around the small town of Taft in San Patricio County, law enforcement authorities said they're concerned about rival prison gangs starting a war against each other. They're concerned enough to step up their their presence around the Taft area to try to quell the violence.

Sheriff commanders said it's a legitimate concern after two prison gang members were attacked on Wednesday night. Because of that violence, more law enforcement officers are patrolling around State Highway 181 in Taft.

Investigators said two Texas Syndicated prison gang members were beaten and stabbed on Wednesday night on South Davis Road. It's believed 33-year-old Jason Ledesma of Portland and 26-year-old Abel Gonzales of Taft were beaten with a baseball bat and the butt of rifle. Both required medical attention, but refused to cooperate with authorities and nobody was arrested.

Investigators believe Mexican Mafia prison gang members attacked the men. Now they've sent more police officers to patrol the area over the last two nights.

"I just hope it basically stays quiet , but knowing what we know about these types of situations, we know it can escalate into a larger situation," said Sheriff Leroy Moody of San Patricio County Sheriff's Department. "My major concern isn't the gang members themselves, but the individuals who can be injured on the sidelines."

Authorities hope a larger police presence will stop the violence in the area. They've also alerted other law enforcement agencies about the attacks and to prepare for all out war between the rival prison gangs.

The sheriff said residents in the area are afraid to tell them what's going on, but without their help, they can't do anything. So if you have any information, you're asked to call the San Patricio County Sheriff's Office at 364-2251.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com