Waukegan WI Jan 29 2020

A fight that broke out at Saturday’s varsity basketball game at Waukegan High School remained under investigation Monday by both police and the school district, officials said.

“Some students who have been identified have been disciplined, and we are continuing to investigate,” district spokesman Nick Alajakis said late Monday.

The reason behind the brawl, which began as the game between Waukegan and Zion-Benton was ending, remains unknown at this point, said Cmdr. Joe Florip, a spokesman for the Waukegan Police Department.

It does not appear to be related to the schools or their rivalry, Alajakis said.

Waukegan lost the North Suburban Conference game against its rival school by a score of 78-53.

Mayor Sam Cunningham, who said Monday he was meeting with the city’s police chief to discuss next steps, said he had been told the fight began when “some young men and some young ladies” at the top of the viewing stand had a disagreement “that escalated to a pushing match, physical confrontation.”

“It spilled outside and it picked up again,” Cunningham said. “It took about 25 minutes to get it cleared out.”

Florip, who confirmed Cunningham’s account, said the incident is still being investigated, and it also remains unclear exactly how many people were involved.

A district security guard was taken to area hospital where the guard was treated and released, Florip said, adding that he was not aware of any other injuries during the incident.

District officials, who have been interviewing witnesses and reviewing video recordings, are working with Zion-Benton officials and Waukegan police to determine whether those involved were Waukegan District 60 students or visiting adults or students from other schools, Alajakis said.

At least some of those involved were not Waukegan students, he added.

No weapons appear to have been involved, Florip said.

Waukegan District 60 steps up security ahead of games like Saturday’s, according to school board President Brandon Ewing. Security staff from both schools was present along with an increased police presence.

“Despite our best efforts, some individuals still decided to take the opportunity to make bad decisions,” Ewing said Sunday. “And, as a school district, this will not be tolerated.”

Saturday’s fight comes just days after an altercation at Waukegan High School’s Brookside Campus in which a student was “cut or stabbed” with a pair of scissors and other was treated for back pain, officials said.

That incident also remains under investigation, Florip said.

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