Police arrest students in charter-school brawl

2/10/2004

Several students were arrested after four fire alarms were set off yesterday inside the Macomber Building and a brawl began outside the structure, which houses three charter schools.

Some students said the melee at 1501 Monroe St. started over a basketball game while others said it was gang-related, Toledo police Sgt. Matt Bombrys said. He said the fire alarms were set off purposely to get the students outside the building about 10:45 a.m.

The fight was between students at the Toledo Accelerated Academy and the Alliance Academy of Toledo.

The arrests were for offenses related to the fighting.

Administrators at both schools, which collectively enroll more than 500 students, said they plan to meet today to discuss what occurred. They said students will be suspended and expelled as a result of the incident. They said this is the biggest fight they ve experienced at the building.

Toledo Accelerated students, who range from sixth to 10th grades, were sent home early after the brawl. The Alliance Academy enrolls seventh through 12th graders.

Pupils from the Eagle Academy, which enrolls elementary school children, were not involved.