Israel Flores, a Sureno 13 gang member, pleaded guilty Tuesday to first-degree assault in the June 22 stabbing of a rival gang member near Arlington High School in St. Paul.

Flores, 19, of St. Paul, will be sentenced Oct. 16 by Ramsey County District Judge Michael Fetsch.

According to the charges, the incident began with the victim, an 18th Street gang member, insulting Sureno 13. The remarks, allegedly made to two female summer-school students, were relayed to another girl, who called Flores to tell him to go fight with the 18th Street member.

Flores soon arrived in an SUV and stabbed the 15-year-old victim several times, the criminal complaint said. The victim has recovered, police said Tuesday.

PAT PHEIFER