An officer was assaulted and nine students arrested after a fight at a high school in Melbourne, Florida on December 10. The report indicates that one adult was also arrested. It is unclear if any of the involved parties acquired the services of an attorney.
The events took place at Palm Bay Magnet High School on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 10. Officers from the Melbourne Police Department were dispatched after two students were involved in the start of the fight during school hours, sources say.
When a school resource officer tried to break up the fight, one of the students “physically assaulted” him, then other students got involved, according to the press. This caused officers from the Palm Bay Police Department, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and the West Melbourne Police Department to be dispatched to the scene.
The police report indicates that an adult woman refused to leave school property when directed to do so by an officer, while at the same time “causing a significant verbal disturbance with the students.” According to the report, the woman is a relative of one of the students involved, although the initial cause of the dispute has not been publicly disclosed.
The ten students arrested and charged face charges such as disrupting a school function, assaulting a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Because of their ages, their names have not been disclosed. This took place only two weeks before Brevard Public Schools begin the winter break.
Sergeant Martin Miller of the Melbourne Police Department said the incident “was mayhem” and added that an investigation is underway into what happened and how it got to this. Nicki Hensley, a spokesperson for Brevard Public Schools, said, “There was a disturbance on campus,” but “It’s been contained.”
It is not clear what caused the fight. However, Melbourne police commented that no weapons were involved and no students or officers were injured. They refused to make further comments indicating that it was an “ongoing investigation.” According to the school district, the situation was quickly contained and there was no need for a lockdown. Like the police, the district refused to provide details about what occurred.
The incident is also being reviewed by Brevard Public School District officials. At the time, it was not known if the students would be released into custody of their parents or turned over to authorities. The names of the officer and the arrested adult have likewise not been released. It is not clear whether the students who were involved in the altercation will be facing expulsion, suspension, or other disciplinary action.
Likewise, officials did not disclose whether the fight resulted in any injuries on the part of the students, the arrested adult, or the officer. If anyone was injured in the brawl, they may be eligible to collect injury compensation depending on the nature of their injury and how it occurred.
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Sources: 12.27.19 School Fight