The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is increasing its presence in University Place after a fight between 30 and 40 teenagers broke out on Thursday.
According to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at about 2:25 p.m. to a bus stop near 7516 40th St. W. When deputies arrived, the crowd of teenagers scattered.
“When deputies arrived, the juveniles began dispersing. No one at the scene was willing to speak with deputies or report being the victim of a crime. With no identified victims of assault, deputies focused on clearing the area and ensuring the juveniles safely dispersed,” the release said. “The circumstances surrounding the fight remain under investigation as deputies work to gather additional information about what led to the incident.”
One of the teenagers had incidentally had his backpack — which was valued at about $100 — stolen the day before, the release said. When the teenagers fled after the fight, the victim saw another teenager wearing his stolen backpack and reported it to a deputy…