Nine children were arrested at a Vancouver middle school Friday after police say a fight between students during an evening basketball tournament turned into a standoff between dozens of kids and county deputies.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office said at least 60 kids at one point closed in around three deputies aiding a staff member at Gaiser Middle School detaining someone involved in the fight. The children were cursing, yelling racial slurs and threatening to kill the deputies and school staff, according to the law agency.

Around 33 other deputies went to the school after the initial responders called for backup, the sheriff’s office said. The youngsters were arrested after school officials cancel l ed the rest of the tournament, police told the large group to leave the campus and several refused.

One deputy suffered minor injuries while arresting one of the kids, the sheriff’s office said. No other injuries have been reported.

The nine people were arrested on suspicion of third- and fourth-degree assault, trespassing, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and other accusations.

The identities of the people arrested and their affiliation with the school haven’t yet been released by the sheriff’s office.

It’s not immediately clear what caused the initial fight among students at the school. The sheriff’s office said someone called 911 around 5:40 p.m. to report the altercation and that school staff trying to break up the fight were being attacked by a group of kids.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 |@EvertonBailey

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