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Samantha Hayes ReportingA teenager is recovering in the hospital after a beating. She claims a group of people, including three women, attacked her. But investigators are having trouble finding the attackers and they say the girl is not giving them much information. That's one reason they believe the attack has something to do with a gang.
Although it may sound strange to hear about girls participating in gang violence, detectives say it's not uncommon anymore.
Police did not find out about what happened at Jordan Park until the hospital called them. A teenage girl was beaten up by a group of people, including several women in their 20's. Police believe a gang is involved, and the fact that women are members does not surprise them.
"No they might not subscribe to the Blood and Crips, but if they have a clique and a name and commit violence, they are just as much of a gang as anybody else."
"Girls and Gangs" was a topic of last month's gang conference in Salt Lake City.The Salt Lake Area Gang Project most recent statistics show 526 gang members were women in 2004; 4,018 were men. Investigators say gangs accounted for 1,266 crimes, not including graffiti.
Experts say while susceptible young women may look for power and strength through gangs, it's through that association they often become the victims of violence.
The teenager has several head and face injuries. Police are asking anyone with information to call.
