ROCK HILL, S.C. (CN2 NEWS) Eight students were arrested after a fight broke out at South Pointe High School, says the Rock Hill Police Department.
“Blood was all over the walls and the windows,” says one parent, whose daughter filmed the incident, “Kids were getting beat up, slammed around in the school.”
Police say they responded to the school around 8:15 a.m. on Friday after a school resource officer called for back up. The eight students arrested, who are minors, were charged with inciting a riot and disorderly conduct.
“Hopefully this sends a message that we’re not going to tolerate it,” says Lt. Michael Chavis, “By charging the students that were involved and showing them the consequences of their actions, we’re hoping this will deter this type of activity any further.”
The high school went down on lockdown from 8:15 a.m. until 10 a.m. After the lockdown was lifted, Rock Hill police officers remained on campus. Lt. Chavis says they’re still investigating what caused the fight.
“There were two groups that have opposed one another, arguing earlier in the week, something stemmed from that, and so today they chose to fight at the school,” he says.
The Rock Hill School District released this statement regarding the incident:
This morning just before the first bell, a fight broke out at South Pointe High School. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to assist school officials. During the altercation, eight students were removed from campus by law enforcement. The school was placed on lockdown from 8:15 to 10 a.m. to allow law enforcement and school officials to determine if additional students were involved. During this time, school staff sent phone messages to parents to inform them of the situation. By 10:15 a.m., the school resumed normal operations. As a cautionary measure, Rock Hill Police Department officers will remain on site for the remainder of the day. We continue to work with and ask for support and cooperation from students and parents who may have information about potential disturbances so we are able to keep our school campus safe.
