ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Several more teens could face assault charges in connection to the fight caught on video near Hazelwood East High School that left 16-year-old Kaylee Gain with a severe head injury.
A 15-year-old girl was arrested on assault charges related to the fight that happened after school Friday, March 8 at the intersection of Norgate and Claudine drives.
The St. Louis County Police Department announced Thursday that eight more teenagers were referred to St. Louis County Family Court for consideration of assault charges. This includes a 17-year-old boy, a 17-year-old girl, three 16-year-old boys, two 16-year-old girls and one 14-year-old girl. They were not yet in custody.
New information from the Hazelwood School District on Wednesday revealed that there had been a separate fight on school property the day before the violent attack that injured Gain, and one student was suspended as a result. An attorney for the 15-year-old suspect told 5 On Your Side that student was Gain.
"Recent confrontations involving some of our youths have ended tragically," St. Louis County Police Col. Kenneth L. Gregory said in a statement, referencing the fight near Hazelwood East and the deadly stabbing of a middle schooler in Jennings. "We, along with our community, are saddened by the loss of life and severe injuries these young people have suffered. We also cannot ignore the life-changing circumstances affecting the families of those responsible for these heartbreaking events. There is a disconnect between our children and acceptable conflict-resolution behaviors.
“Our Department continually strives to positively engage our young people through numerous youth-centered programs like the Police Athletic League (PAL), Career Pathways in Law Enforcement (CAPLE), and the Explorers Program. Our School Resource Officers are also on the ground, ready to assist students in various districts and to be an outlet for them.
“It’s crucial that we as parents and citizens continue to talk to our children about violence and the grave consequences that can occur when we resort to 'fighting it out' or picking up a weapon. We encourage all young people to ask for help from a responsible adult if they find themselves or friends in violent situations. Together, we can keep our children and neighborhoods safe."
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.
