Police in Wisconsin have arrested several adults and one juvenile after they forced their way into an Oshkosh middle school Wednesday afternoon, following a dispute between two students. The incident happened about 2:15 p.m. when family members and acquaintances of one of the students involved in a fight earlier in the day showed up at Merrill Middle School, according to a news release from the Oshkosh Police Department.
The adults reportedly forced their way into the school and started "creating a disturbance," prompting the school resource officer to take action. School staff and the school resource officer advised them to leave campus grounds, but they refused.
A physical altercation followed between the school resource officer and the individuals.
The group reportedly created a physical disturbance between the adults, school staff, and police, the news release stated. Authorities said several adults and one minor were taken into custody, and the middle school was briefly shut down to ensure the safety of students until the incident ended. No weapons were involved.
The principal sent a letter to parents regarding the dispute between the two students.
Merrill and Webster Stanley Middle Schools Principal Kristi Levy reportedly sent a letter to parents at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday noting that two students had a fight during lunch, which led to the school being on lockdown for 15 minutes, per the Oshkosh Northwestern.
The letter also explained that Merrill Middle School was on lockdown again later in the day after several adults and one juvenile created an altercation on school grounds.
The Oshkosh Area School District has offered counseling and other resources for students following the fight.
"Staff and students did exactly what they were trained to do to keep one another safe and we are grateful for the proactive safety measures in place throughout the District," read a statement from the school district obtained by the newspaper.
"We understand that today’s situation at Merrill Middle School had a significant impact on our students, staff and families," the statement read. "[The district] does not tolerate any forms of violence or aggression within our school communities. This incident is still under investigation and no additional comments will be provided."
Area residents were shocked by what happened.
Oshkosh Police Department posted a news release on Facebook, prompting hundreds of individuals to leave comments of shock and dismay.
"Did I read that correctly???? Adults forced their way into a middle school to be aggressive towards small humans????" wrote one Facebook commenter. "Grown ups, who pay taxes, and rent, and have bills, and are supposed to be setting an example???? What in the world is happening here????"
"And they wonder why school staff don't want to work. Adults can't adult, kids learn from these people not setting good examples," someone else commented. "Just sad and horrible. I feel bad for the staff there!"
"I ❤️’d teaching here!!" another person wrote. "I pray for staff and admin as you navigate this concerning time in education. Stay strong and stick together!"
Oshkosh Police Department requests that anyone with information about the incident or the individuals involved call (920) 236-5700. To remain anonymous, use the P3 tip app through Winnebago County Crime Stoppers.
