Student in custody after altercation at Denfeld High School

A 14-year-old female student is in custody following an altercation at Denfeld High School in Duluth. According the Duluth Police Department, the Duluth Police Denfeld School Resource Officer assisted staff members in separating a physical altercation that occurred between several students on Tuesday, November 26, around noon.

During the separation, one staff member and two police officers were assaulted and three other staff members “s suffered effects of a chemical irritant.” During this incident, the school went into a temporary “hold” period.

The 14-year-old student is now being lodged at the Arrowhead Juvenile Center for pending charges of probation violation and more.

Authorities state that this is an active and ongoing investigation and that additional details will not be released at this time.

Adelle Wellens, the Communications Officer for Duluth Public Schools, has produced WDIO with the following statement on behalf of the district:

At approximately 12 p.m. today, Denfeld High School implemented a “hold” following a physical altercation during lunch. The incident involved multiple students and resulted in minor injuries to staff and officers who responded. All affected staff members were assessed by EMS and later evaluated at urgent care as a precaution.

The hold, which lasted about 40 minutes, allowed staff and law enforcement to safely address the situation. Mental health support teams were on-site and remained available for any staff or students needing assistance.

We are committed to the safety and well-being of our school community and thank our staff, students, and law enforcement for their prompt and professional actions. This incident is under investigation, and the district is applying its policies to address the behavior involved.