SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — Two teenagers were arrested after allegedly trespassing into Shaker Heights High School and taking part in a fight with a student in the cafeteria on Thursday. While school officials review its safety protocols, Shaker Heights High School and the Innovative Center for Personalized Learning shifted to virtual learning on Friday.
In a letter to Shaker Heights High School families, principal Eric Juli said the two suspects searched the high school's perimeter with two Shaker students until they found a door they could access.
Shaker Heights police say school security detained a 19-year-old Cleveland man and 16-year-old Cleveland boy who were involved in a fight with an 18-year-old student. No injuries were reported.
"Violence in our school will not be tolerated, and there will be consequences for anyone who participates in such behavior," Juli added.
On Thursday evening, Shaker Heights Schools Superintendent Dr. David Glasner announced that high school students move to remote learning on Friday. Afterschool activities and athletic events will proceed as scheduled.
"District administrators are working with security personnel and the Shaker Heights Police Department to review all safety and security protocols at Shaker Heights High School and will have more information to share with families and staff prior to the return of students on Wednesday, January 17," Glasner noted.
Shaker Heights police provided its report of the incident to 3News on Friday. The 19-year-old suspect has been identified as Andre Acoff Jr. Acoff told officers that he went to Shaker Heights High School to confront some members of the football team about "bullying" his little sister, who also attends the high school.
Acoff admitted to punching a male student in the face in the cafeteria. His 16-year-old cousin who accompanied him to the school also joined in the fight. (3News is not naming the juvenile suspect)
The victim told police he did not know either of the teens who assaulted him. He was punched in the face, but opted not to press charges for assault. A second student who attempted to break up the fight was apparently bit in the right hand and "hit all over his body" by an unknown female.
Acoff and his cousin have both been charged with criminal trespassing. A court date for Acoff has been set for Feb. 6.
