GILBERT, AZ — Gilbert police say two teen girls have been arrested after officials responded to a fight Saturday night.
Officers were called to a business parking lot near Williams Field Road and Market Street after 11:30 p.m. for reports of a fight involving a group of teen girls.
Officials say a 15-year-old girl was arrested on charges of assault, disorderly conduct, and curfew violation.
On Monday, officials told ABC15 a 16-year-old girl who left the scene before police arrived was arrested Sunday. She faces assault and disorderly conduct charges in connection with the assault of the 15-year-old girl.
According to police, video evidence shows the 16-year-old engaging in the fight.
"During police interviews, the 15-year-old stated that she believed the two victims had previously egged her house, and she went to the business to confront them, where she summoned them outside and assaulted both girls," police told ABC15.
Police say they are working on interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence, and pursuing other leads related to the incident.
Gilbert police say the "location is a frequent gathering place for teens, especially during school breaks, and Gilbert PD continues to increase patrols in the area to maintain visibility and help deter disruptive behavior. Enforcement is just one part of our strategy; our larger goal is protection, prevention, and education."
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Gilbert Police Department or submit a tip online.
Gilbert police shared the following statement regarding the incident:
"We want to make it clear: violence will not be tolerated in our community. The Gilbert Police Department is firmly committed to investigating all incidents of teen violence and holding youth responsible for their actions.
It’s essential for parents to remain alert and monitor where their teens are and who they are with at all times, as this awareness is critical for their safety and well-being.
In Gilbert, teens under 16 must be home by 10 PM, and teens between 16 and 18 must be home by midnight.
We cannot confront this issue alone. Preventing youth violence requires shared responsibility and a united effort. We ask all families to help us by reinforcing accountability at home and encouraging safe, respectful behavior among our youth."
The investigation remains ongoing.
