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SALT LAKE CITY -- Up to seven people could be charged or cited following a fight during a high school basketball game on Tuesday in Salt Lake City.
A player took an elbow to the face during the fourth quarter of the game between Highland High School and West High School. That started a fight between players. The brawl escalated when fans rushed the court.
Several coaches also ran in to help break things up, but it appears at least one coach became involved in the scuffle.
Salt Lake City police Sgt. Robin Snyder said investigators are looking over videos and speaking with witnesses to determine who should face charges and what charges should be filed.
"There was no reason for a fan or spectator to actually be down on the floor," said Snyder. "In this case some fans came down on the floor and actually participated in the fight, so they could be looking at assault charges or even inciting a riot."
She added that no one, players included, is immune from potential charges.
"You're committing assault, and we will get involved, and we will press charges in this case," said Snyder.
Four police officers were at West High School helping to patrol the game when the fight broke out.
A spokesman for the Salt Lake City School District said for now, the district is waiting for the police investigation to wrap up before it begins its own internal investigation.
No students have been suspended over the fight, but the spokesperson did say officials are very concerned about any participation coaches might have had in the fight.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
