AUSTIN — Students and faculty at Austin High School will see heightened security today after a fight at the school led to a lockdown and an arrest on Monday.
Around 3:23 p.m., police heard reports that a large fight had started both inside and outside the high school on the west side. The situation prompted school officials to go into lockdown, according to law enforcement officials. It is uncertain how many people were involved in the incident.
There were reports of injuries, and Gold Cross Ambulance was at the scene. However, Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger said he was unsure how many people, if any, had been transported to the hospital.
"We are still processing reports," Krueger said. "The school resource officer is looking at video to find out who all is involved. We're waiting on reports from the city attorney's office for reviewing on charges for those involved."
A police liaison officer and school staff responded to the fight, and additional police officers were called to assist. Initial reports that a gun was involved proved false, according to John Alberts, executive director of educational services for Austin Public Schools. Law enforcement also confirmed that no firearm was involved.
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The school's lockdown was lifted at 4:02 p.m. after law enforcement determined it was safe for students and school employees. Pacelli and Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Austin were also reported to be on lockdown during the fight.
Austin police arrested a 27-year-old man who ran from officers during the altercation. Police said the man had a pair of nunchucks that were thrown onto the roof of the school's annex as he fled. Police later recovered the weapon.
The individual was arrested and questioned, Krueger said.
The high school will have increased security today, with multiple officers provide extra safety for students and faculty.
This was the first time in recent memory that an Austin school building has gone into lockdown, Krueger said.
