Teen injured in fight after Eufaula football game, police say
A 14-year-old teen was injured during a fight after a Eufaula football game.
Police say the altercation occurred in the parking lot of Eufaula High School in the evening hours of Friday, September 16, 2022. The injury occurred during a fight with a 12-year-old juvenile in the parking lot after a football game.
“A video of the altercation has been submitted as evidence for the investigation and juvenile petitions have been obtained for both juveniles involved,” Eufaula Police Chief Steve Watkins said. “The incident will be addressed in juvenile court and the names will not be released.”
The Eufaula Police Department is working closely with the Eufaula City School System on this investigation and to address safety and mitigation of potential future incidents. The altercation was not affiliated with the athletic event or any other school sponsored activity at the high school.
To address the safety and mitigation of further potential incidents, Eufaula City Schools announced the following new rules to improve safety and ensure sportsmanship at all home game sporting events.
1. To enter Eufaula City Schools athletic events, every person under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 19 or be a Eufaula High School student. The adult is responsible for the person under 16 throughout the entire athletic event. Parents may no longer drop off their children under 16 that are not Eufaula High School students.
2. All individuals not accompanied by an adult aged 19 or older must have a valid photo ID indicating they are 16 years or older or a Eufaula High School-issued ID.
3. No outside food or drink may be brought into the stadium or gym.
4. The public may not enter the playing field or court before, during or after a competition.
5. Any bags brought into the stadium or gym must be clear/transparent.
6. Metal detection devices will be used at the gates.
7. Visitor supporter parking will be at the Eufaula Community Center (750 Lake Drive) for football games. Home team supporter parking will be in front of Eufaula High School. Signs indicating this new parking arrangement will be visible.
8. As always, no one should loiter in the parking lots, and no one should stand and gather in the walkways (between the concession stand and bleachers) during a game.
“Please help us with these new procedures by arriving early at the stadium or gym. Until all are accustomed to the latest practices, it will probably take a few extra minutes in line to enter the stadium or gym,” the city’s school system said.
Despite the altercation, officers remain on duty at events, and school system employees are present and willing to help whenever needed. “If you see something that makes you feel unsafe, please say something to one of the officers or a school employee on duty,” Superintendent Patrick J. Brannan said. “We appreciate your support. Working together, we will have an environment where we will all feel safe and can enjoy cheering on our teams. Go Tigers and Admirals!”
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