DeSoto Police Respond To ‘Multiple Fights In Progress’ At High School Today

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DeSoto ISD building
DeSoto ISD building Photo by Kristin Barclay

DeSoto Police Charge a Student With ‘Interference With Public Duties’

This afternoon DeSoto residents took to social media to ask if ‘anyone knows why DeSoto High School is on lockdown?’ Parents reported their students texting them they were on a lockdown. However, according to a statement from administration to parents “an official lockdown was not instituted.” They continued to say “This afternoon due to an isolated, disruptive incident in the DeSoto High School cafeteria, campus administrators and school resource officers temporarily paused movement throughout the campus just prior to the final class period of the day.” They compared it to a shelter-in-place which was implemented as a precautionary measure.

In an updated email DeSoto ISD noted: Students remained safe and supervised at all times. No injuries were sustained to staff or students during this occurrence.

DeSoto Police Department issued this statement, after we requested additional information:

“DeSoto Police (DPD) were called to DeSoto High School shortly after 12:30 PM Friday after being notified about a fight in progress.

School Resource Officers and other DeSoto Police Officers responded to observe multiple fights in progress. Several juvenile students were briefly detained and released to their parents on the scene. One 17-year-old student, who was allegedly interfering with police operations, was pepper-sprayed by officers. He was treated at the scene by paramedics, formally charged with interference with public duties, and then transported to the DeSoto Regional Jail.

Police remained on the scene until classes ended at 3:20 pm to deter additional conflicts and to ensure the safety of Desoto ISD students and staff.”

Several students took to social media warning parents to check on their kids and describing the scene as “chaotic”. DeSoto Police did not report any injuries to officers or students, other than the student that was pepper sprayed.

March Incidents Resulted In Changes

Last month there were multiple incidents described as fights at DeSoto High School, when the District made the decision to cancel classes the Friday before spring break and have a reset. Following the return of students DeSoto ISD made the following changes:

Starting Monday, March 21, 2022, every school will have a duty schedule that will place staff in all hallways and common areas of each building to monitor traffic and activity.

2. Student Support Services will now be housed at secondary campuses to provide deeper, more responsive campus support.

3. Students will NOT be permitted to use cell phones, earbuds and headphones during the school day. All students have received a district-issued device to support access to tech and internet for curricular purposes. Upon the district’s return from Spring Break, violations related to cell phones and headphones will be implemented according to Board Policy and the Student Code of Conduct which may include but are not limited to confiscation of devices and accessories; fines for retrieval of devices and accessories; and suspension.

 

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Kristin Barclay
Kristin Barclay graduated from the University of South Carolina with a major in Journalism and Advertising. Throughout her career, Kristin has demonstrated a passion for storytelling and a commitment to providing accurate, timely, and informative news coverage. She has a deep understanding of the issues and concerns facing local communities and has earned a reputation as a trusted source for reliable news and information. In addition to her work as an editor and journalist, Kristin is also a skilled writer and has written articles on a wide range of topics, including politics, business, education, and culture. She has a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling stories that engage and inform readers. Kristin is also an active member of the community and has volunteered her time and resources to numerous organizations and causes. She believes in the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the world around us. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kristin Barclay is also a passionate advocate for local journalism and the role it plays in keeping communities informed and engaged. She believes strongly in the importance of supporting local news outlets and is dedicated to ensuring that quality journalism remains a vital part of our society. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys traveling both for business and pleasure. She loves exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. Whether she's on a business trip or a vacation, Kristin is always eager to discover what makes each place unique and special. Kristin's passions include boots, bourbon, dogs and college football. She is a self-proclaimed boot aficionado and has an impressive collection of cowboy boots that she wears with pride. She also enjoys sipping on a good bourbon and spending time with her husband and beloved border collies. Last but certainly not least, Kristin is the proud mother of two children who bring joy and meaning to her life. She is deeply committed to being a loving and supportive parent, and her children are her greatest source of inspiration and motivation