TOLLESON, AZ — Aggravated assault charges are being recommended to the Maricopa County Juvenile Court against a West Point High School student seen on video in an altercation with a school resource officer.
On Tuesday, October 6, the Peoria Police Department announced it concluded its investigation into the Avondale incident and are recommending charges against the student. The department also says they found no criminal violation by the Avondale Police Department's resource officer and the officer's identity is not going to be released.
Video of the September incident was sent to ABC15, showing what appears to be a school resource officer getting into a physical altercation with a student.
In the footage, the officer comes up behind the student and the student turns around and appears to make a move at the officer. A confrontation follows, and the student is taken to the ground and held there as a crowd of students surrounds them. While on the ground, during the physical altercation, the officer appears to strike the student.
It is not yet known what happened before the incident took place. However, Tolleson Union High School District Superintendent Jeremy Calles told ABC15 a food fight took place in the cafeteria and staff were in the process of clearing students out and the officer was helping with that.
"I'm not the one doing the investigation. My own personal first glance, I see inappropriate conduct on both sides. There are definitely moments when this thing should've never escalated the way it did," Calles said.
The identity was not released, however, Calles said the officer had been with the school for quite some time.
Stephen Dieu, the executive director of the Arizona School Resource Officers Association, says an altercation between a student, staff member or law enforcement doesn't happen often in schools.
"It's shocking. It's rare. It's very, very, very rare," he said.
Avondale Police asked Peoria Police to investigate the incident. Dieu said an investigation could include looking at all footage, including surveillance cameras, body worn cameras as well as cell phone footage. Any witnesses will also be interviewed.
"It's important to be patient and wait for the outcome of the investigation so that we can determine, 'Okay, were there policies that were not followed? Were there procedures that weren't followed?'" Dieu said.
This isn't the first time the district has faced an issue like this. A student on a different campus last year is suing the district, Tolleson Police and the City over an SRO's alleged use of excessive force. Calles had felt that SRO was using excessive force in that case.
However, in the incident at West Point High, Calles emphasized that students need to feel safe on campus and that any incidents involving staff or other people hitting students will not be tolerated.
Calles told ABC15 they are working with Avondale Police to bring in another officer to West Point High.
"I believe in the SRO program, and we have some great officers. But, it doesn't matter if you were perfect every day of your life. To do something like this is something we're not going to allow on our campuses. It doesn't mean we're losing any faith in the SRO program or in Avondale PD," Calles said.
Do you have a concern in your community or a news tip? We want to hear from you!
Connect with us: share@abc15.com
The Avondale Police Department released a statement about the incident, saying:
"We are aware of cell phone video circulating on social media showing a physical altercation between an Avondale Police officer assigned to West Point High School and a student. The incident occurred during the lunch period, when multiple fights were reported on campus. To ensure an independent and transparent review, the Avondale Police Department has requested that the Peoria Police Department investigate the incident. The officer has been reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of the investigation, and their identity will not be released at this time. To protect the rights and privacy of those involved, additional information will be released when available and appropriate."
The Tolleson Union High School District previously released a statement in response to the video:
"The District is aware of an incident involving a student and a School Resource Officer at West Point High School. The matter is currently under investigation, and the officer will not be on campus while the investigation is underway. The District takes matters involving the safety and well-being of our students and staff seriously, and is committed to a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding this incident. We are gathering available information and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation."
Want more news in your community? Add ABC15 as a preferred source on Google below:
