2 girls suspected in beating at dance

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) -- A 14-year-old girl was beaten unconscious by several other girls at a chaperoned dance for middle school honors pupils, police said.
Two girls, ages 12 and 14, were in custody for investigation of felony assault, Lt. Ken Bergsma said Tuesday.
The victim, who attended Mount Baker Middle School, suffered cuts and bruises and was treated at a hospital.
Witnesses said the victim and the attackers had been arguing at the dance Friday night for Mount Baker and LaVenture Middle School pupils, at the LaVenture campus.
"When the victim turned to walk away, she was assaulted," Bergsma said. "She fell to the ground, where she was kicked numerous times."
LaVenture Principal Tara Dowd saw pupils circling on the dance floor and moved in to investigate, said Kevin Tate, a Mount Vernon School District spokesman.
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