Two men charged with felony aggravated battery following violent clash near State Fair

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Two local men face felony aggravated battery charges after a violent late-night clash near the Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds sent a teenager to the hospital on Saturday, September 5th.

Papa Sagapolutele, 21, of Blackfoot, and Kaleb Cutler, 22, of Pocatello, were both booked into the Bingham County Jail. In addition to felony aggravated battery, each man is charged with resisting or obstructing officers and destruction of evidence.

According to the Blackfoot Police Department, officers and Bingham County sheriff's deputies responded to reports of a fight and a possible stabbing along North Maple Street around 11:13 p.m.

Investigators say the incident began as two groups left the fairgrounds. Police say one group made gang-related comments to the other after being asked to move out of the roadway, which led to a physical altercation.

When law enforcement arrived, several people attempted to make a run for it before being detained. Officers recovered multiple weapons and a firearm at the scene. Police later confirmed that no stabbing took place.

Several people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. A teenage boy was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with serious injuries; police say he has since been treated and released.

Following the initial investigation, Sagapolutele and Cutler were arrested and booked into the Bingham County Jail.

Detectives with the Bingham Joint Investigation Unit are currently seeking to speak with 18-year-old Danion A. Hernandez Jr. of Pocatello regarding his involvement in the incident. Police urge Hernandez to come forward and ask anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact authorities.

Investigators have collected several witness videos but are asking anyone with additional footage or information to contact Detective Kaigan Young at (208) 684-6259.

The investigation remains ongoing.

This is a developing story. Charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Local News 8 will update this story as new details emerge.