A screenshot from the viral video of the altercation between a student of Eight Mile Rock High School and a school resource officer on April 22.
By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Staff Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
AN Eight Mile Rock High School student fought a school resource officer on Monday in a chaotic incident captured on camera.
Grand Bahama police are now investigating the altercation.
Michelle Bowleg, acting deputy director at the Ministry of Education in Grand Bahama, reported that four male students were suspended.
The video showed the officer throwing blows and attempting to subdue the student while another adult male hit the youth with a stick. A crowd of students gathered around and watched as the violence unfolded.
Ms Bowleg could not confirm whether anyone was injured during the incident.
She said parents have been called in, and the students involved have been questioned.
She said the incident stemmed from a conflict that occurred on Sunday in the park between four boys during a basketball game.
“This conflict came into our school and, a fight ensued between the two groups, and I don’t want to say gang members, it would be alleged,” she said.
“We did have a principal who was trying his best to see how he could resolve the conflict.”
Ms Bowleg emphasised the importance of keeping students and teachers safe.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training stressed that it has a “zero tolerance” approach to violence in schools and takes any such incident that disrupts the school environment seriously.
“The school’s administrative team is working closely with police on Grand Bahama to address this incident,” the ministry said. “There are a number of students in police custody who are currently assisting officials with the investigation. Once the police have completed their investigations, the ministry will support actions that will ensure all those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
“The ministry continues to support SROs on public school campuses as their work has assisted in the reduction of school incidents, diverting students from engaging in criminal activities, and improving overall school safety.”
Comments
moncurcool 1 week, 2 days ago
He fought a police officer.
John 1 week, 2 days ago
The video starts with the police throwing ‘man blows’ on the student and the student retaliating. Then get into a wrestling match. Was the student attempting to defend himself from the blows of the officer when they became entangled. Once the student appeared to restrain the officer and prevent him from throwing blows, he seemed to hold onto him until he was certain it was safe to release him and not receive additional blows. He then went along voluntarily with the officer. Full investigation needed. Yes the students should be suspended for fighting. But it needs to be determined what cause the officer (SRO) to get into a punch out with the student and if action should also be taken against him. A voice in the video says they don’t know why the officer ‘always trying to act by him self and not calling for help.’
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