Local
Montgomery High lockdown lifted after knife report; seven students arrested
A fight at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa led to a campus lockdown Tuesday and the arrests of seven students. Police said a 15-year-old displayed a knife, but investigators found no evidence that a firearm was involved.
Seven students were arrested after a fight at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa prompted a campus lockdown Tuesday afternoon, police said. Officers determined that a 15-year-old student had displayed a knife and moved toward another student before a school employee intervened.
Santa Rosa police said they were called to the school at 1250 Hahman Drive around 1:10 p.m. after reports of a physical altercation. Initial reports mentioned a knife, and unconfirmed information raised the possibility of a firearm. Police said investigators found no gun and no evidence that one had been involved.
Sixteen officers responded while the campus was locked down. Police searched the area, identified students and reviewed video. The 15-year-old suspected of carrying the knife fled before officers arrived. Officers found him hiding behind a home across Rock Creek Drive and recovered a large knife with a four-inch fixed blade nearby, which they believe was used in the incident.
Several students had minor injuries and were treated at the scene. One was taken to a hospital with injuries to the face and hand. Police said the lockdown ended shortly after 1:55 p.m.; middle school students were released to parents and guardians before high school students, with officers helping coordinate the release.
All seven students were arrested on suspicion of battery on school grounds. They are a 14-year-old boy, three 15-year-old boys and three 16-year-old boys. The 15-year-old accused of possessing the knife also faces suspicion of brandishing a weapon and possessing a weapon on school grounds. Police did not release the students’ names because they are juveniles.
Police initially said the altercation might be gang-related. Anyone with information can contact the department’s Gang Crimes Team at 707-543-4021 or submit an anonymous tip at srcity.org/CrimeTips.