Though a spokesman quoted in the Arizona Republic today says only about 40 or 50 people were involved and that it "probably looked even worse than it was," a police news release put out this morning says the violent crowd was up to 300 strong.
At least two police officers were assaulted, and about 40 officers were called in as back-up. When all was said and done, 12 people -- most under 18 -- were arrested. Scroll down to read the full text of the release.
Go Leopards?
Media Advisory
Fight Call/ 7th Street & Roeser
Date: 2/4/09
Location: 700 W. Roeser
DR#: 2009-90197034
UPDATE
Yesterday as school was letting out at South Mountain High, a fight ensued between a group of individuals in a Blue El Camino and A group of individuals that were standing on the southeast corner of 7th St and Roeser.
This quickly devolved into a small scale riot Between 200 to 300 subjects either fighting or cheering. An SRO Officer made a traffic stop on the El Camino and a large group immediately converged upon him. He went to the ground in a struggle with one of the occupants of the El Camino, suffering injury to one of his knees. A second Officer was next to arrive and was immediately assaulted.
He and the School Resource officer summoned more units, and approximately 40 officers soon arrived to assist. 10 juveniles and 2 adults ranging from the ages of 15 to 29 years old were taken into custody for a range of charges, including aggravated assault on police officers, resisting arrest and riot.
Officers were treated for minor injury at the scene.
