Six students accused of starting fights, causing "shelter in place" at Patrick Henry

Six students accused of starting fights, causing "shelter in place" at Patrick Henry (Image 1) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Details are limited to exactly what started the fights, but students at Patrick Henry High school were asked to "shelter in place" after fights broke out during the school day Wednesday. A recorded message was sent to parents, letting them know about the situation. 

Six students are being accused of instigating the fights. One of them will face charges for assault of a police officer. Three of them face charges and police say charges are pending against the other three. 

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Parents we spoke to say they can't believe this incident occurred.

"Why is this happening and the seriousness of the deeper problem," parent Katrina McMillan-Zapf said. "Why is it that our students are dealing with such stresses that they break out in fights against each other?"

"It's kind of unsafe; it makes you feel like they need to do a little better to secure to make sure it doesn't happen," said parent Kyonne Hernandez.

The following is the message sent to parents about the incident:

"This is Joseph Jablonksi, principal of Patrick Henry High School. I am calling to let you know that early this afternoon, several students were involved in fights. The police responded immediately. During the break-up of one of the fights, a police officer was assaulted and pepper spray was used. Some students were affected by the residual spray. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries. As a precaution, the school went into a shelter-in-place which means students stayed in their classrooms, however; normal class changes did occur and extra precautions will be taken at dismissal. Your students' safety is very important to me. If you have questions, please contact me at 853-2255. Thank you."