5 Arrested In Connection With Cloonan Middle School Fight: Police

STAMFORD, CT — Five children were arrested following Tuesday's fight at Cloonan Middle School that left a boy injured, according to Stamford police.

Capt. Deidrich Hohn of the Stamford Police Department said a boy was targeted by five others — four boys and a girl — in a school bathroom. He suffered a concussion and knee ligament damage, Hohn said.

The five students were arrested and charged with second-degree assault, breach of peace and conspiracy, Hohn said. They were given juvenile summonses and must appear in court in 5-10 days.

The school was placed on lockdown following the fight, per standard district protocols, according to Principal David Tate. The lockdown was lifted shortly after.

"The responsible students have been immediately disciplined and will face further disciplinary action under our Board of Education policies," Tate said in a letter to the Cloonan community Tuesday.

"We make every effort to create and maintain a safe environment for all students and staff and have zero tolerance for this behavior," Tate added. "Please take this opportunity to reinforce this with your child."

On Tuesday, the district initially said two students were involved. Justin Martin, spokesperson for Stamford Public Schools, said Thursday an investigation remains ongoing into exactly what happened.

"It's disappointing that these kids are using the school day to partake in assaults, where they should be in a learning environment," Hohn said, adding that there is still an open investigation since more students could be involved.

Hohn, who leads the School Resource Officers in the district, said arrests are "usually a last ditch effort."

"We try to mediate and negotiate these things. But when these kids go five on one with another kid and cause injuries, the only alternative is arrest," Hohn said. "It is concerning."