LTHS Student Charged With Aggravated Battery After Fight: School

LOCKPORT, IL — Lockport Township High School East Campus was placed on a yellow lockdown on Thursday after a fight between two students. The school said the lockdown was called to reduce movement within the school, restrict the spread of rumors, and allow an opportunity for the deans to complete their investigation into the fight which occurred Thursday morning.

In a letter to parents, Principal Dennis Hicks shared that a student was attacked by another student and seriously injured on Thursday morning at the school. This attack was videotaped by students and shared on social media.

The injured student was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Hicks said the attacking student was arrested, charged with aggravated battery and school disciplinary procedures are underway.

According to the letter from Hicks, as the day progressed, rumors about additional possible safety concerns as well as rumors of a possible weapon spread among the students and were shared on social media. To calm these fears and allow an opportunity for the school administration to complete their investigation and ensure the safety of all students, the school moved to a Code Yellow, which allowed teaching to continue. Students were held in their classrooms and were encouraged to share any information with deans and administration.

The lockdown was continued through the end of the school day and after school activities were canceled, the school said. Activities were canceled to allow students and staff to go home with their families and school officials to complete their investigation.

Lockport Police were on campus and assisted deans in investigating the rumors and conducting searches of multiple lockers. The rumors were all unsubstantiated, the school said.

"As always, the safety and security of the students and staff at LTHS are our top priority," Hicks wrote to parents. "The LTHS administration worked closely with the Lockport Police Department to conduct a thorough investigation and will continue to do so to ensure a safe and secure learning environment."

Image via Shutterstock.