Four people were taken into custody following a fight at Kerman High School’s graduation ceremony, police said.
Authorities say two teenage boys were involved in a dispute after the ceremony. Both teens are known to police, and one was already on probation.
Police said the teens’ families became involved during the incident. Investigators say a teenage girl struck an officer, and the other teen’s mother was pushed down by an officer after she intervened.
Students said they were disappointed that the violence disrupted what was meant to be a celebratory event.
“I don’t think that that’s a way that I would want to remember my graduation,” said Kerman High School student Joban Hans. “If you have like a, sorta beef, just handle it elsewhere. Maybe not at a graduation.”
The woman and all three teens were taken into custody and are facing charges, police said.
The incident comes days after a brawl at Reedley High School during a Kings Canyon Unified School District’s alternative education programs graduation ceremony on Tuesday, as well as a deadly shooting at a graduation party in Visalia over the weekend.
Some law enforcement agencies, including Clovis Police, have implemented extra patrols during graduation events. Meanwhile, police in Kerman and Reedley say they are working with local school districts to help ensure the safety of students and families at ceremonies.
