Suffolk News-Herald

Violence struck at Lakeland High School in Suffolk Wednesday morning, injuring two students who sustained razor blade cuts during a cafeteria fight.

A red alert was also issued at the school after an anonymous gun threat was called in, targeting two students involved. No one was allowed to enter or leave the school. Students eating lunch were moved to classrooms.

The school remained on lock down until the end of the school day at 2 p.m. once the students involved in the fight had left the building. Lakeland was dismissed at 2:15 p.m. in keeping with its normal schedule.

Additional police were called in to provide

security.

Suffolk Police are continuing investigate the fight, which was reported at 11 a.m., said Lt. Debbie George, department spokeswoman. Suffolk Public Schools spokeswoman Bethanne Bradshaw said the brawl involved at least five students. The school nurse treated the injured students, one of whom received a one-inch cut to the shoulder, and the other sustained a finger cut.

The gun threat was received around 12:45 pm via telephone in the school office.

&uot;The caller advised she had a gun and made threats against some of the students involved in the earlier altercation,&uot; said George.

Police were able to trace the call.

Police are also planning to charge all five students involved with disorderly conduct.

Additional charges are pending.

Depending upon the students’ histories, Bradshaw said expulsion is a likely outcome.

Considering a recent string of violent incidents at Suffolk schools this school year, Bradshaw said the school administration continues to review statistics in approaching the issue.

At least monthly, metal detectors are used at the schools to communicate the division’s commitment to curtailing criminal activity, said Bradshaw.

School officials are analyzing funding alternatives to purchase more video camera for surveillance throughout its schools, particularly in the cafeterias, said Bradshaw.

&uot;Our main goal is to keep students safe,&uot; she added. Bradshaw credited police for their prompt response to the fight Wednesday.

Anyone with more information about Wednesday’s incident should call the Suffolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.