Cafeteria Fight At Joliet West: 3 Teens Arrested By Joliet Police

JOLIET, IL — The violence inside the Joliet West High School building continues to increase. This week, Joliet police arrested three teenage boys in connection with Wednesday morning's fight inside the school cafeteria at 401 N. Larkin Ave.

Joliet police said the 15-year-old boy and two 14-year-old boys have been booked into the River Valley Juvenile Justice Center on McDonough Street. Each faces criminal charges of aggravated battery and disorderly conduct.

Around 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, the Joliet police liaison officer assigned to Joliet West learned of a cafeteria fight. By the time the detective got there, school staff members had broken up the fight.

"Further investigation determined that the 14-year-old juvenile and 15-year-old juvenile approached another student, 14, and began repeatedly striking him in the head while the victim was seated at a cafeteria table," Joliet police announced. "The fight was broken up by school staff and both the 14-year-old and 15-year-old suspects were taken into custody without incident.

"Upon further investigation into this incident, it was revealed that an additional male juvenile, 14, had struck the victim as well. This juvenile was placed into custody the next day and transported to the River Valley Justice Center."

Also, this week, two more 15-year-old boys at Joliet West were arrested after fighting in the hallways. During that fight, a security guard was injured.

On Oct. 6, Joliet Patch published a story headlined, "Dangerous Joliet High Schools: Angry Parents Blast School Board." That night, about 15 people addressed the Joliet Township District 204 school board at the special meeting, including some parents outraged with Superintendent Karla Guseman's administration concerning fighting, weapons and bullying taking place at Joliet West and Joliet Central.