Five masked intruders created chaos and terror at Auburn Riverside High School on Tuesday. The assailants entered the school through a side door and ran through the halls, shoving and punching students. Fortunately, school administrators quickly intervened and chased the suspects off campus. Police are currently investigating if this incident is linked to two fights that occurred on Friday.
The incident left the school community badly shaken, with over 500 students absent from school the following day. False rumors of a shooting on Thursday only added to the anxiety, leading some parents to withdraw their children from classes.
According to the Auburn Police Department, the masked intruders were let into the school by a student who mistook them for fellow students. The motive for the intrusion is still unknown.
Video footage shows the group of five intruders running through the halls as students and staff try to avoid the chaos. One student was punched during the ordeal, while four others were shoved. The masked assailants were inside the school for less than 40 seconds but managed to cause significant distress.
In addition to the incident on Tuesday, two fights broke out at Auburn Riverside High School on Friday. Four students involved in the first fight were removed from campus, and later that day, a second fight occurred in the school parking lot. During the second fight, a BB gun was confiscated from one of the individuals involved.
The school has since implemented increased security measures, including assigning more police officers on campus. At the homecoming football game on Friday, four resource officers, six school safety officers, and administrators were present.
Parents and students are understandably concerned about the safety of the school. Jacqualine Boles, a parent of an Auburn Riverside High School student, expressed her shock at the events and her skepticism about the school’s handling of the situation. However, she also acknowledged the school’s efforts to address the issue and keep students safe.
The Auburn Police Department is actively investigating the intruder incident and has promised to increase police presence on campus. The school’s principal, Janalyn McKeehan, sent an email to parents outlining the steps being taken to enhance school security and urging them to report any concerns. The district also has an anonymous tip line for reporting potential threats.
As the community recovers from this frightening event, it is crucial for law enforcement and school officials to work together to identify the intruders, hold them accountable, and ensure the safety of students and staff at Auburn Riverside High School.