A series of fights at Alexandria City High School yesterday injured one student, according to the Alexandria Police Department (APD).
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) closed the school today and tomorrow after a series of “altercations” at the school yesterday (Wednesday). Classes are being taught remotely for the next two days and will resume in-person on Monday, Jan. 6.
APD said there were reports of multiple physical altercations in school hallways and the cafeteria. Two students were charged with assault and battery and one student was injured and taken to a clinic. APD said police are investigating the validity of a media report that a student was stabbed, but said nothing in the investigation substantiates that claim.
APD also said an adult staff member knocked to the ground remained conscious after she was struck. APD said the woman refused medical attention on the scene and declined to file a police report.
According to the APD:
At approximately noon, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, two Alexandria Police Department School Resource Officers on the campus of Alexandria City High School, responded to reports of multiple physical altercations occurring in school hallways and the cafeteria. As a result, two students were criminally charged with assault and battery. APD is aware of one injured student who left with their parents to receive treatment at a clinic. Investigators are continuing to verify the validity of a media report of a student being stabbed, nothing at this point in the investigation substantiates that claim.
Separately, an adult woman who is seen in a video circulating on social media lying on the ground reported falling and remained on the floor conscious. She refused medical attention on the scene and declined to file a police report. There were no injured parties transported for medical attention.
As part of the APD patrol plan, there is a police presence in and around perimeter neighborhoods of ACHS and within retail spaces to deter and prevent further altercations.
“Schools should be safe learning environments for our kids, inciting violence and disorder within a school is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Tarrick McGuire, Alexandria Police Chief. “As a community, we must support our kids by equipping them with the tools and constructive coping mechanisms to process emotions and our school resource officers are key in that process. I want to thank the school staff and our school resource officers for the work they continue to do to de-escalate situations preemptively.”
ACPS said in a letter to parents that the behavior was unacceptable and said school administration will work for the next two days to devise a plan for additional measures to be implemented early next year. Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt said “the plan will include severe consequences for any disruptive behavior.”
ACPS would not answer additional questions about the fight, whether weapons were involved, the number of students involved or the severity of the injuries.
“Alexandria City Public Schools(ACPS) doesn’t comment on student and staff matters,” said Jasmine Washington-Price, media and internal communications coordinator for the Office of Communications. “The investigation is ongoing and ACPS can’t share any additional details at this time.”
