Student Involved in Knife Incident at Rochester School Arrested

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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester police today reported the arrest of a 15-year-old boy accused of brandishing a knife during a fight at Century High School on Wednesday.

A police spokesperson says the Century High School administration contacted the school resource officer shortly after 2:30 p.m. and reported there had been a fight involving several students. An investigation found that one of the students had a knife and threatened several other students and the teacher.

The student with a knife, who has not been publicly identified because of his name, was taken to the Anoka County Juvenile Detention Center and is expected to face felony counts of second-degree assault, threats of violence, and possession of a dangerous weapon on school property.

The Rochester School District notified the parents and guardians of Century students about the situation through an email late Wednesday afternoon.

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