Fight breaks out during lunch Thursday
By Sam Catanzaro
A Santa Monica High School student was taken to the hospital after being slashed in a fight during lunch Thursday.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), on Thursday around 12:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Santa Monica High School campus for a fight involving multiple students.
“Upon arrival, officers located one student with a facial laceration he suffered during the fight. The student was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury. The primary suspect in the incident, a juvenile student, was last seen running off campus and was ultimately taken into custody by SMPD,” said SMPD Lt. Rudy Flores in an email.
The object used to inflict the laceration is currently unknown.
No further injuries have been reported, Flores added.
In the wake of the fight, Santa Monica High School Principal Marae Cruce shared an update with parents, staff and students addressing the incident.
“I am saddened to share this news on our first day back, but I want to make certain that everyone is aware of an altercation that occurred on our campus during lunch between two Samohi students,” Cruce said. “The safety and security of our students and staff are our top priorities. We are taking this incident seriously and will provide you with an update when we have additional information.”
According to Cruce, the SMPD is investigating the incident and school officials are cooperating fully with the investigation.
“We are in communication with the parents of both students,” Cruce said.
The identity of the involved parties has not been released by officials due to their minor status.
