MPD confirms that so-called scuffle in Rancho El Dorado was not physical

Maricopa Police Officers at about 7:10 p.m. Thursday responded to a call that a fight might be taking place on Lakeside Drive at Jane Askew Park in Rancho El Dorado.

Officers spoke with several area residents as well as several teens near the park, Sergeant Stephen Judd said.

Judd, a spokesman for Maricopa Police, said the investigation revealed that a group had come to the park to play baseball and had interacted with another group of teens already at the park (“see “Preliminary reports do not indicate that fight had gang ties”).

“Citizens became alarmed due to the amount of juveniles present and that some were carrying bats,” Judd said. “Investigating officers found no indication that any physical fighting had occurred. Furthermore, there was no indication that either of the groups of juveniles were gang members or gang related in any way.”

A search of the surrounding neighborhood confirmed that no suspicious or violent activity had taken place.

No injuries were reported and there was no indication of any crime that had been committed, Judd said.

He noted, however, that he wouldn’t be surprised if the recent surge in teen violence, including three fights reported in the past week, was simply a coincidental spike.

Chances are that as the weather continues to heat up and the school year winds down for summer break, tempers will continue to flare.

“I’m not saying it will happen,” Judd said. “Just that it could.”

As a preventative measure, Judd said, MPD will be stepping up patrols at local shopping centers and parks where teens tend to congregate.

He also urged citizens to remain vigilant in calling in what they consider to be suspicious activity, and allowing law enforcement officers to assess the situation. They’d rather err on the side of caution, than not hear about potentially dangerous incicents before they get out of hand.

Judd encouraged those who do call in reports to include their names and contact information. Anonymous callers won’t have the opportunity for MPD to contact them afterward to let them know what they did or did not find out, he said.

Those who wish to be considered victims must provide their information because the Constitution guarantees suspects’ right to face their accusers. Judd said people in that situation should not fear coming forward because police and victims advocates will look out for their best interests.

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