Teen with knife, 6 others arrested after fight at Santa Rosa school, police say

SANTA ROSA, Calif. -- Seven students were arrested after a fight at a Santa Rosa high school prompted a campus lockdown Tuesday, with police saying a 15-year-old student displayed a knife and tried to approach another student.

Santa Rosa police said they responded to Montgomery High School at 1250 Hahman Drive at about 1:10 p.m. after receiving multiple reports of a physical altercation involving students. Initial reports indicated a knife had been displayed, and some unconfirmed information suggested a firearm might also be involved.

Sixteen officers responded as the campus was placed on lockdown while police searched the area, identified students and reviewed video footage. Initial information suggested the fight might be gang-related, police said.

Investigators determined that a 15-year-old male student brandished a knife and aggressively advanced toward another student. A school employee stepped between them, preventing the student from advancing further. The student fled before officers arrived.

Police found the student hiding behind a residence across the street on Rock Creek Drive. A large knife with a 4-inch fixed blade, believed to have been used, was recovered nearby.

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Several students had minor injuries and were treated at the scene. One student was taken to a hospital for injuries to the face and hand.

Despite the initial reports, police found no firearm. They said they have no evidence that a gun was involved.

After officers searched the campus and determined there was no ongoing threat, the lockdown was lifted shortly after 1:55 p.m. Middle school students were released to parents and guardians first, followed by high school students, with officers assisting in the process.

All seven students were arrested on suspicion of battery on school grounds. They included a 14-year-old boy, three 15-year-old boys and three 16-year-old boys. One of the 15-year-olds, whom police identified as the student who possessed the knife, was also arrested on suspicion of brandishing a weapon and possessing a weapon on school grounds.

Police withheld the students' names because they are juveniles.

Anyone with information about this case can contact the Santa Rosa Police Department's Gang Crimes Team at 707-543-4021 or submit an anonymous tip at srcity.org/CrimeTips.