GROVEPORT, Ohio — Two students are facing charges after two fights broke out at Groveport Madison High School Monday afternoon.
The Groveport Police Department said at 12:30 p.m., the school resource officer made an emergency call for assistance because of the large fight. Principal Duane Bland clarified in a letter to families that there were two different fights involving six students in total.
Bland explained that the first fight involved a student being physically assaulted by another male student in the rotunda during a lunch period. The school resource officer and other staff members separated the two students and ended the fight.
Shortly after, there was another fight involving four students in the commons area. Bland said the school resource officer used a “chemical dispersant” to break up the fight.
Bland said additional officers from Groveport police were called to contain the surrounding crowd as there were hundreds of students in the area at the time of the fight.
No injuries were reported. Bland added that two staff members were treated after being affected by the chemical dispersant.
Two students are charged with disorderly conduct and additional charges are expected following further investigation and reviewing video, police said.
You can read the full letter to parents from Bland below.
GMHS Parents, Students, and Staff:
I want to make you aware of two altercations at the high school this afternoon, one of which resulted in the need to call for additional police support and the use of a chemical dispersant.
A student was physically assaulted by another male student in the rotunda during lunchtime. The school resource officer (SRO) and other staff members were able to separate the two students and quickly bring the situation under control.
Shortly after that, four students were involved in an altercation in the commons, which required the SRO to use a chemical dispersant to break up the fight. With the second incident occurring where several hundred students were in the immediate vicinity, additional Groveport Police Officers responded to ensure orderliness and provide additional support during dismissal.
There were no reports of injuries resulting from the fights, though two staff members were affected by the chemical dispersant. Groveport Police are filing disorderly conduct charges against those involved in the altercations.
While fights of any kind are unacceptable and remain a serious concern, it’s important to keep in mind that the vast majority of our students behave themselves as expected and consistently follow the instructions of school personnel. When students refuse to follow the rules and cause disruptions for everyone else, we will take firm action(s) to address their behaviors.
Thank you for your partnership and support in keeping our students and staff safe and promoting a positive school spirit and environment for us all to work and learn.
Respectfully,
Duane Bland,
Principal
