Imperial Beach

A disturbance at the Job Corps Training Center in Imperial Beach Thursday night grew into a near-riot involving more than 100 youths before it was quelled by more than 70 officers, according to a sheriff’s department spokesman.

Sheriff’s deputies responding to a report of a disturbance and possible stabbing arrived at the center shortly after 10:30 p.m. and found about 50 youths the deputies said were “destroying property and fighting.”

The deputies sent out a call for assistance which was answered by officers from such units as the San Diego Police canine unit and the U.S. Border Patrol. The disturbance was ended quickly, with sheriff’s deputies arresting three juveniles on suspicion of assault. No serious injuries or property damage was reported.

According to Tom Guerin, the Job Corps Center’s director, the incident began when three youths returned to the center under the influence of alcohol. Members of the Job Corps’ security patrol intercepted the three, described as “obnoxious and unruly,” at the center’s front gate and escorted them to the dormitory area, Guerin said.

Sheriff’s deputies were summoned after the three began fighting, drawing other youths into the fracas, Guerin said.