A staff member at Jonesboro High School was hospitalized Friday after being injured while attempting to break up a large student fight, authorities said.
According to an incident report from the Jonesboro Police Department, the incident occurred on Sept. 22 near the STEAM office on the second floor of the high school. John Shipman, a student resource officer with the Jonesboro School District, responded after the altercation had already ended.
The victim, a staff member with Jonesboro Public Schools, told police that the fight began in a bathroom before spilling into the hallway. While trying to intervene, the staff member grabbed the suspect, a 17-year-old boy, resulting in both of them falling to the floor. The suspect resisted and continued to kick, at one point striking the staff member in the head.
Police described the victim's injuries as minor. She sustained a visible bump on her forehead and redness on her right eye and cheek. Emergency medical personnel treated her on-site before transporting her to St. Bernards Medical Center for additional evaluation.
The 17-year-old suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, was charged with second-degree battery, a felony, and disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor. Jonesboro Police public information officer Sally Smith confirmed that the case has been transferred to juvenile court.
In total, 12 other juveniles were arrested and cited for disorderly conduct related to the fight. Most were released into the custody of a parent or guardian, according to the police report.
Further details about the cause of the fight or school disciplinary actions were not available at the time of reporting.