MARYSVILLE — The reported assault in the 8300 block of 60th Drive NE on Jan. 12 inspired strong reactions from members of the community in social media, so Marysville Police Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux sat down with The Marysville Globe to discuss the still ongoing case, which saw its first arrests on Jan. 15.

On Jan. 12, officers responded to the assault shortly after 10 p.m. It was reported that a large number of individuals had “jumped” three middle school-aged boys, all three of whom were assaulted to varying degrees of injury. Families were asked at the time if they wanted an aid car to be called to check out the boys’ injuries, but such aid was refused. It was only later that police learned one of the boys had considerably more serious injuries, that required hospitalization.

On Jan. 15, officers responded to another assault, this time on an individual who was stopped at a stop signal when a vehicle reportedly approached him from behind at a high rate of speed and bumped his car, before a 15-year-old male suspect got out of the second vehicle and threatened, then punched the victim in the face. The suspect then ran off, but officers were given the license plate number of the vehicle, and were able to locate it and its occupants. The victim of this assault positively identified the suspect who had punched him, and an arrest was made.

Officers recognized the vehicle as one that had been described by victims as being involved in the Jan. 12 assault, and another juvenile was placed under arrest for that earlier assault, before a third juvenile arrest was made in connection with the case on Jan. 16.

“The investigation remains ongoing, as we continue to receive additional information,” Lamoureux said. “With a complex case that includes a lot of players and facts, we don’t want to release reports haphazardly and run the risk of compromising our ability to resolve this matter. If we release certain findings too soon, it could lead to us releasing inaccurate information and make it more difficult for us to learn the truth.”

In the event that members of the public can provide information or are in need of additional information, Lamoureux advised them to contact the Marysville Police Department’s front office at 360-363-8300 and ask to speak to an on-duty lieutenant or commander.

Without alluding to any of the details of the still-under-investigation assault case, Lamoureux offered some tips for families to stay safe.

“Whenever younger children are walking around after dark by themselves, that’s risky behavior,” Lamoureux said. “We’d prefer to see their parents driving them to whatever locations are their destinations. There’s also safety in numbers and dressing in bright colors when it gets dark out, especially so that other motorists will see them. Parents should keep in close contact with their children, so that they’ll know where they are at all times, since kids sometimes wander from where they’re supposed to be.”

Lamoureux countered claims made through social media, suggesting the Marysville Police Department was lax in its response to this incident, by asserting that they’ve taken it seriously and are continuing to follow up on leads that have been developed.

“Multiple departmental resources — including school resource officers, an assigned detective and our pro-act team — have been involved in identifying the suspects and bringing this case to resolution,” Lamoureux said.