Students arrested in Owatonna High School fight; building locked down

Cover Image

Two students were arrested following a brawl Monday at Owatonna High School that police say was sparked by racist tweets sent over the weekend.

Police say the tweets reportedly targeted black students at the school.

The building was locked down after Owatonna police, assisted by the state patrol and Steele County sheriff's department, arrived to quell the disturbance in the school's gymnasium and common area.

RELATED: Learning about reacting to bullying in schools
Video of the altercation was posted on Twitter 

My sister in the navy blue hoodie. Y’all tell me what you think... pic.twitter.com/n30ok0dRJD

— Barameer (@Incognitoameer) February 11, 2019

The lockdown happened around lunchtime at the school and was lifted after about an hour.

According to a release by the Owatonna Police Department:

At this time, no students have reported any injuries. At this time, we are not aware of any physical altercations between students. Initial reports indicate a few white students posted racist comments on social media directed towards our black students. The hateful post(s) are being investigated as part of the ongoing investigation. There were social media report of weapons being involved in this disturbance; these reports are erroneous.​

Police say one student was arrested for assaulting a state trooper, and another for obstructing the investigation. A third student was cited for trespassing and not detained, and investigators continue to look into the incident.

Owatonna school officials say they will continue to provide a safe environment for students.