Gang rivalry fueled the stabbing that left a 15-year-old boy near death near Arlington High School in St. Paul on Monday, authorities said.

Israel Flores, 19, a Sureno 13 gang member, was charged Wednesday with first-degree assault and committing a crime for the benefit of a gang after a midafternoon fight that allegedly 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, according to a criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court.

About 20 minutes after the call, the complaint said, Flores arrived in a sport-utility vehicle, got out it and stabbed the victim several times in the torso.

Later, Flores suggested in an interview with police that he had acted in self-defense.

The victim, identified by the initials E.A.G., was admitted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul in critical condition, the complaint said.

ANTHONY LONETREE