UPDATE: Century High School student facing charges after threatening students with knife
(ABC 6 News) – A 15-year-old boy is facing charges after police say he was threatening other students and a teacher with a knife.
It happened on Wednesday, Nov. 8 around 2:30 p.m. at Century High School. According to Rochester police, school administration contacted the school resource officer about a fight involving several students. Police said the boy with the knife threatened several other students and a teacher.
In an email to parents Wednesday, the Century High School principal said there were no injuries caused by the knife. However, according to a press release sent out by the Rochester Police Department on Thursday morning, one student did suffer a minor injury during the fight.
The 15-year-old suspect was sent to the Anoka County Juvenile Detention Center. He’s facing felony charges of 2nd-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, threats of violence, and possession of a dangerous weapon on school property. He also faces misdemeanor charges of 5th-degree assault and disorderly conduct brawling.
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(ABC 6 News) – On Nov. 8, 2023, Rochester Public Schools announced in an email to families that a fight broke out between five Century High students this afternoon, one of which “brandished a knife.”
According to the email, a staff member secured the knife, preventing any injury.
The district has been made aware that a video of the fight may be circulating, as well.
Century High stated that those involved in the fight “are being dealt with according to our disciplinary process.”
Rochester Police Department is currently conducting an investigation. However, Rochester Public School’s investigation into the incident is complete.
Dear Century families,
A fight broke out this afternoon between five Century students by the bus entry doors. One of the students in the fight brandished a knife. Thankfully, the weapon did not cause an injury and was secured by a staff member.
The students who were involved in the fight are being dealt with according to our disciplinary process outlined in our Student Handbook, and the Rochester Police Department (RPD) is conducting its own investigation.
We know a video of the fight may be circulating; The video is disturbing. We want to assure Century families that we take this matter very seriously. The safety and security at our schools are our top priority.
We also want to reiterate that School Board Policy 501 prohibits students from possessing, using, or distributing weapons. A “weapon” includes any object, device, or instrument designed as a weapon or through its use is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or which may be used to inflict self-injury including, but not limited to, any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; air guns; pellet guns; BB guns; rifles, pistols, stun guns; all knives; blades; clubs; metal knuckles; nunchucks (nunchaku); throwing stars; explosives; any combustible or flammable liquid; fireworks; tear gas, mace and other propellants; ammunition; poisons; chains; arrows; and objects that have been modified to serve as a weapon. Students are also prohibited from possessing, using, or distributing items intended to look like weapons.
RPS’ internal investigation into this incident is complete. Century Administration and District Senior Leadership will continue cooperating with RPD on their investigation.
Thank you,
Monde Schwartz
Century Principal
Please stay with ABC 6 News as more information becomes available.