A 15-year-old has been charged after she pepper-sprayed a police officer while officers were breaking up fights at the Warren Township High School football game Thursday in Gurnee.
The incident happened during Warren’s home football game against Maine South High School on Thursday evening.
School officials said a fight broke out near the end of the game and involved students and adults.
Police and school representatives immediately got involved and multiple students and adults were detained.
“We are grateful to the school officials and local law enforcement who worked immediately to contain the situation as much as possible,” the school said in a message to parents.
Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor said Saturday that there were numerous fights between students during the game.
Officers worked to quickly maintain order and ensure the safety of the attendees, Gaylor said.
During one of the fights, an officer was pepper-sprayed by a 15-year-old Zion girl.
The juvenile was taken into custody and has been charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer and resisting arrest, Gaylor said.
The other students and adults who were detained during the fights were released without charges.
The officer was treated by the Gurnee Fire Department for their injuries. No one else was reported to be injured.
“The safety and well-being of our community members remain our top priority, and we will continue to work diligently with Warren Township High School to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future,” Gaylor said.
Seven police officers, five security guards, 12 employees working crowd control, 10 administrators and seven ticket takers were working at the stadium at the time.
Law enforcement told the school that all of those detained were not Warren Township High School students.
School officials said new procedures will be put into place for athletic events due to the incident.
Visitors ages 18 and over will be required to show their driver’s license to prove their age.
High school students will be required to show a school identification card upon entry, school officials said.
High school students who do not attend Warren Township High School or the visiting team’s school will be denied entry.
Backpacks will also not be allowed into the event and no entry will be granted after the third quarter. Concessions will also close early.