Richland police and school investigating ‘dangerous’ fight video that went viral
School administrators and police in Richland are investigating a video that went viral this week that shows several high school students kicking and beating another student.
The video — which quickly spread on social media sites like Facebook and Snapchat, and caught the attention of district officials Tuesday evening — shows two unidentified teens start to fight and several others surrounding the pair.
The two exchange swings while walking, but they don’t make contact. One teen who is backing away, appears to get shoved by another student.
At the end of the video, a student is knocked to the ground and about a half-dozen other students start kicking him in the head and torso.
“Not cool. Hopefully the school does something about this,” read a Facebook post from one parent, which included the graphic video.
Richland School District said the incident involved Richland High School students but didn’t happen on school property.
It’s unclear if the students who beat the teen have been suspended or expelled.
“School administrators will be taking the appropriate next steps following district policies and procedures,” said a letter sent out to parents.
A spokesperson with the Richland School District couldn’t be reached Thursday for more information.
Families of students identified in the video have been cooperative, the district said in its letter.
Richland encourages all parents and guardians to speak with their student about responding to and reporting “disruptive and dangerous student behavior.”
“We strive to make our schools safe and welcoming places where students can fully engage in their learning. We take seriously any behavior, even when it is off school grounds or outside the school day, that threatens to disrupt that for our students,” the statement read.
Anonymous reports can be made to the district at their online portal, by emailing 1610@alert1.us or by calling 509-392-4668.
