Student to be charged after altercation with security guard
LAS CRUCES NM March 23 2019 – A physical altercation took place at Centennial High School early Wednesday afternoon, but accounts vary on how many students were involved.
District spokesman Damien Willis told the Sun-News a “brief altercation” took place involving three students during an outdoor street fair event at the school.
Las Cruces Police Department spokesman Danny Trujillo put the number at six to eight, and there were rumors of even higher numbers, which Trujillo said might reflect individuals who attempted to break up the fight.
Trujillo said one student, a minor, will be charged with battery on a school personnel after a security guard was bitten while intervening in the altercation.
The district would not comment on any other disciplinary measures taken following the incident.
Willis confirmed the school went on a “shelter in place” order from approximately 12:35 to 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, after which the school resumed normal operations. The school remained on its normal schedule Thursday.
Since September, 400 students from Columbia Elementary School have been holding class in a building Centennial’s large campus, after their elementary school building was evacuated due to severe mold. Columbia also went on a shelter in place order.
During a shelter in place order, instruction continues but doors and windows at the school are secured, attendance is taken to account for students on campus and students are not permitted to leave until the order is lifted.
The district has announced Columbia will remain in residence at Centennial until construction of a new school building is complete. The decision has been protested by some Centennial students and their families.
LC Sun News
