The eight students, ages 16-18, involved in a physical altercation at John Handley High School on Tuesday, August 22 have been charged with disorderly conduct (18.2-415).
Four of the juvenile suspects between the ages of 16-17 years old have also been charged with assault (18.2-57) on three Winchester Public Schools staff when they attempted to separate the students. One of the four juvenile males charged with assaulting WPS staff is also charged with assaulting another student.
A warrant was obtained for Nizere Fitzgerald, 18-year-old male student, who was involved in the altercation and charged with disorderly conduct.
Officers assist with student altercation at JHHS
August 22, 2017
WINCHESTER, VA – This morning at approximately 9:00 am, the Winchester Police Department (WPD) responded to a report of a fight among students at John Handley High School (JHHS). A JHHS administrator and three staff members were assaulted and a WPD officer was injured while trying to separate the students during the altercation. The officer was transported to the Winchester Medical Center for treatment and was released. WPD is consulting with the Commonwealth’s Attorney and anticipates charges will be placed.
The incident, which involved approximately eight students, occurred at 8:55 am in the commons area of John Handley High School. The Winchester Police Department School Resource Officer and a second WPD officer immediately responded to assist the school administrator who was present when the altercation began. Seven juvenile students (one female and six males) and one 18-year-old male student were involved. The students were separated and the incident was resolved at approximately 9:04 am.
Due to the call for further assistance made during the altercation, several other WPD officers responded to campus but the incident was under control by the time they arrived. All students involved in the incident have been identified.