Cops break up sword and skateboard fight

MAN WITH SWORDS GETS BEATEN BY YOUTHS WITH SKATEBOARDS

Vernon police responded to a bizarre call late Tuesday night involving a band of youths and a man with swords.

Officers were dispatched around 10:45 p.m. to a call of roughly 15 youths running into traffic and fighting at the corner of 29 Ave. and 30 St.

RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says a store at the corner appeared to be the centre of activity. Many of the youths were reportedly drinking and going in and out of the store.

"An argument broke out and many people were screaming and yelling," Molendyk says.

A 21-year-old man briefly entered the store and came out with two large swords, one in each hand.

Several people in the crowd beat the man with skateboards, and he was treated by ambulance at the scene.

The swords were obtained by police. Molendyk expects charges to be laid, and says the investigation is ongoing with bylaws to figure out what catalyzed the unusual event.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call (250)309-5230.