At least two fights at Fremont High School in South Los Angeles Thursday resulted in minor injuries and the treatment of as many as 17 people — including a school police officer who used pepper spray to try and stop the violence.
Firefighters were sent about 11:50 a.m. to the campus at 7676 S. San Pedro St., according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department. “In an effort to quickly end the fights and to prevent further safety concerns or injuries, an officer used oleoresin capsicum spray — also commonly called pepper spray — on those involved in the altercations,” according to Los Angeles School Police Chief Steven Zipperman, who called the fights “spontaneous.”
“Although the fights quickly ended, other students were exposed to the spray. All students affected by the spray were evaluated onsite by medical personnel. Parents were notified, and additional resources were made available throughout the day. The school resumed normal operations afterward.”
A 16-year-old boy, a student at the school, sustained a hand injury and was the only person taken from the scene to a hospital, Humphrey said.
The injury was not suffered during any altercation or melee, he said, but it’s unclear exactly how the boy was hurt.
“This incident will be reviewed by both the school administration, and the Los Angeles School Police Department,” Zipperman said.
“I want to reassure parents and guardians that the safety of our students and staff is the top priority at L.A. Unified.”
— Wire reports