Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – Police said a fight at Jonesboro High School Tuesday morning sent a staff member to the hospital and led to one person being arrested on a felony charge.

The incident began around 7:46 a.m., prior to the start of the instructional day. According to the Jonesboro Police Department (JPD) incident report, a staff member reported a fight breaking out in a second-floor bathroom.

The staff member attempted to intervene, grabbing a 17-year-old male to break up the altercation. Both fell to the floor, where the teenager continued to fight. As the staff member held onto his legs, he kicked her in the head.

Police said the staff member suffered a head bump and redness to her right eye and cheek. She received on-scene treatment from EMS before being transported to a hospital, the report noted.

In a statement released Wednesday, Jonesboro Public Schools (JPS) Superintendent Misty Doyle said a teacher on duty utilized the Centegix Alert System to immediately notify building administrators of the restroom incident.

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“Within seconds, administrators, security personnel, and teachers responded and were able to quickly intervene and de-escalate the isolated incident,” Doyle said. “While the district cannot disclose information regarding a staff member’s injuries, we can confirm that the employee was evaluated and was able to complete the school day.”

The 17-year-old accused of striking the staff member was arrested on a felony charge of second-degree battery against a school employee and transported to the juvenile detention center. JPD Public Information Official Sally Smith confirmed the case has been handed over to juvenile court, and the department will not be adding further charges.

Thirteen other juveniles, ranging in age from 15 to 17, were cited for misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Investigators have not confirmed what started the altercation, and school security video of the incident is currently being preserved as evidence.

Doyle said that district and building administrators will review the circumstances and evaluate existing safety protocols to identify opportunities to further strengthen student and staff safety.

JPS utilizes its own internal security detail overseen by Todd Nelson, which works alongside JPD School Resource Officers. Smith said JPD will provide extra security and patrols at the high school if requested by the district.

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