High school students arrested after brawl with sheriff's deputies

BY COLBY FRAZIER
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

Righetti High School in Santa Maria was put on lock down yesterday after four gang members got into an altercation with Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies, a spokesman from the Sheriff’s Department said.
The spokesman said the altercation erupted at about 12:15 when deputies contacted four juveniles who had been intimidating and fighting with other students earlier in the day.


“This group of gang members from Guadalupe has been involved in several altercations with other students, both on and off the Righetti High School campus over the past several days,” said Sgt. Alex Tipolt. “As deputies contacted the group the gang members became confrontational with law enforcement and physically resisted.”
Tipolt said a deputy sustained injuries to one of his legs as a result of the confrontation.
He said all four of those involved in the altercation are male juveniles and were arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall.
Tipolt said a 16-year-old boy was arrested for battery on a peace officer and resisting and delaying a peach office; a second 16-year-old was arrested for misdemeanor resisting and delaying a peace officer; a 15-year-old was arrested for resisting and delaying a peace officer and another 15-year-old was arrested for battery on a peace officer.
Tipolt said officers from the Santa Maria Police Department and California Highway Patrol helped secure the school and the surround area and students were released as the day progressed and the investigation continued.
“Students, parents and staff can expect an increased level of sheriff’s presence on the Righetti High School Campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods,” Tipolt said.