21 Sierra High School students charged after Oct. 28 fights

Colorado Springs police have served 21 Sierra High School students with misdemeanor charges for their involvement in several fights last week.

“I think the charges are fair,” said Denice Butts, a neighbor who lives across the street from Sierra. “I think we should support the teachers and administrators there at the school, every way we can.”

On Oct. 28, a fight started in the school’s cafeteria before spilling over into other areas of campus. It was recorded on several cellphone cameras.

Initially, school resource officers on campus dealt with the situation, but as the fights escalated, the Colorado Springs Police Department’s tactical unit responded to the scene.

So far, three students are charged with third-degree assault, disorderly conduct and interference with staff, faculty or students of educational institutions. Eighteen are charged with disorderly conduct and interference with staff, faculty or students.

Police said they expect to charge an additional student with disorderly conduct and interference with school staff.

The interference charge, police said, is because the students fought with staff, who tried to break up the fights.

The charges are misdemeanors, which carry a maximum sentence of 18 months in jail.

“(The students) should just own up to their actions,” said Raven Buckhout, a recent graduate who has a sister at the school. “A lot of the kids today are out of control, and if (the fight) really happened, they should go through the consequences and own up to what they’ve done. Grow up.”

Many within the school community hope the charges will end the recent fighting trend among students.

“My daughter comes home every day and tells me what goes on,” said parent Veronica Galena. “I feel she’s safe, and that her friends are safe.”

Harrison School District 2 is deciding what discipline is warranted for the students.