Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : Campus Security Increased Following Fight

SANTA CLARITA — Additional sheriff’s deputies patrolled Saugus High School during the mid-morning break and lunch Tuesday following a fight between students the day before.

The fight Monday broke out around 10 a.m. at the end of the mid-morning break, said Sheriff’s Deputy John Hudson of the Santa Clarita Valley station. No students were seriously injured, but deputies used pepper spray to control one student.

An estimated 20 students participated in the fight, but only those responsible for starting it were taken into custody. The fight followed a confrontation at a weekend party, officials said.

Four additional deputies were on campus Tuesday to make sure that there were no further disturbances.

“We have beefed up our security,” said Richard Obar, assistant principal. “Our kids are tense, I’m sure.”

Ten students were taken into custody on suspicion of battery or disturbing the peace, sheriff’s officials said. Eight were released to their parents, but two were sent to Juvenile Hall because they were on probation for previous criminal offenses.

All of the students have been suspended for at least five days, Obar said. He said the school may seek to expel some of them.

The fight was not gang or racially motivated, according to school and sheriff’s officials.