LAWRENCE, MASS. (WHDH) - Five people, including four kids and a parent, were arrested Wednesday afternoon following a fight near Lawrence High School, law enforcement sources said.
The fight broke out at nearby Sullivan Park after school got out for the day, according to a statement issued by city and school officials.
The parent, who is believed to be the mother of one of the kids involved, was also taken into custody for allegedly intervening in the arrest of her son, sources say.
“As part of the safety plan that has been put in place by the school district and the city, several members of the Lawrence police department were in the area at the time of the altercation,” the statement read.
Witnesses said the size of the brawl required even more backup units.
“All of the ambulances came, the police came from all over the city, state police. So several fights broke out after school,” said Kim Barry, head of the Lawrence Teachers’ Union.
RELATED: ‘In turmoil’: Emergency meeting held to address the rising violence at Lawrence High School
There have been several recent emergency meetings in the city following a string of violence at the school. Some members of the teachers union have called it a moment of crisis.
“There’s a need for more counselors, more substitute teachers… our teachers are working throughout the day. There are shortages with the staff they have to cover up for that and planning time is being lost,” Barry said. “It’s not sustainable and it’s not safe and we want to make sure that it is safe for kids and teachers.”
Staff turnover and the stress of students returning to in-person learning have contributed to the problem, according to administrators.
Wednesday’s incident remains under investigation.
This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS for updates online and on-air.
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