A 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death at a Los Angeles Police Department fundraiser Saturday night despite a large police presence at the carnival event in the Palms community.

The stabbing took place at about 10:30 p.m., and police said the boy had been fighting with “multiple” juveniles prior to the fatal stabbing, the Press-Telegram reported.

The suspect, described as a male between the ages of 15 and 20, fled on foot, police said.

The stabbing took place in day 2 of the three day event, which was co-hosted by LAPD’s  Pacific Area Boosters Association, the Motor Avenue Association, and City Council District 5.

The teen was pronounced dead at the scene, and police believe the incident was gang related.

“There are windows of opportunity, unfortunately, that suspects can find and we can only cover so much of an area,” LAPD Officer Christian Faulkner told KCAL.

The carnival was shut down after the incident but reopened on Sunday.

The Press-Telegram said the carnival was raising money to support the LAPD’s Pacific Cadet/Junior Cadet programs, which serve youths from 9 to 17, and the Pacific Division officers and police station.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

[Featured image: KCAL screenshot]