PEORIA, Ill. – Fights inside and outside Peoria High School Friday led to the arrests of some individuals and the postponement of two football games as a security measure.
Classes were dismissed nearly two hours early because of a number of incidents inside the school, including a fire alarm being pulled.
As the building was evacuated due to the alarm, a larger fight ensued outside the school. Police were called to the scene and used pepper spray to break up the fight.
Peoria Public Schools Superintendent Sharon Demoulin-Kherat said both students and adults were found to be involved, including students who were not Peoria High School students.
Kherat said some people have been arrested as a result of the incidents.
“All of these individuals who were arrested or caused the disruption will not be able to attend Peoria High for the rest of the (school) year.” Kherat said.
Kheart also said any non-Peoria High student found to be involved will face trespassing charges and will be banned from entering Peoria Public School buildings.
“We will be speaking to everyone involved to make sure this is thoroughly vetted and to ensure every aspect of safety,” Kherat said.
Kherat said added security measures will be in place in time for the resumption of classes Monday.
“We have increased staffing for the building and the flow of traffic in the hallways during lunches will continue to be emphasized,” Kherat said.
The district has been screening students as they enter the building to make sure they are not carrying weapons and Kherat said that procedure will continue.
Peoria police are continuing their investigation.
The incidents affected Friday’s regularly scheduled football games involving the district’s three high schools.
Manual has forfeited its game vs. Peoria High after weighing the options of rescheduling the matchup to either Saturday morning or Sunday morning. Danville at Richwoods will kickoff at noon Saturday. Spectators will be not be allowed.
“We want to ensure the utmost safety at our events,” Kherat said.
