9 arrested in school basketball game riot expelled

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) – Officials say nine students who were arrested after a riot broke out at an 8th grade basketball tournament in southwest Washington have been expelled from their schools.

Vancouver School District officials said Monday that that the students arrested were emergency expelled and that officials were still investigating others who may have been involved in the Friday evening incident.

Officials say two students got into a fight in the stands at Gaiser Middle School and that security officers removed them from the gym. Officials say several students followed them and that more joined and interfered as the students were taken outside.

The deputies called for backup as they were surrounded by 60 to 70 teens who shouted racial slurs and threats of assault and death against the officers.

Nine students were arrested on charges including trespassing, failing to disperse, assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.