MATTOON, IL – Four Illinois high school students found themselves on the wrong side of the law after a violent altercation erupted on a Mattoon Community School District 2 (MCUSD2) school bus.
According to Mattoon Police Department police reports, the August 30th fight led to their arrest on charges of Aggravated Battery and Mob Action. The four juveniles involved were promptly taken into custody and transported to the Vermilion County Juvenile Detention Center.
No details surrounding the incident or injuries were released.
The altercation reportedly occurred during the routine transportation of students from school to their homes. Tempers flared as the bus made its way, resulting in a brawl involving four students. Thankfully, a vigilant bus paraprofessional intervened, attempting to quell the escalating violence. Following protocol, the bus driver pulled over and urgently called for assistance. Within minutes, additional school personnel and Mattoon Police officers arrived at the scene.
To ensure the safety of the remaining students, a secondary bus was dispatched, and the Mattoon Police Department assisted in transferring the students to their new ride home. Parents and guardians of the affected students were promptly contacted by the transportation department.
Mattoon Community School District 2 Superintendent Tim Condron expressed his deep disappointment over the incident, emphasizing that it does not reflect the school’s proud culture. However, he commended the swift actions of both the school staff members on the bus and the students who stepped in to protect their peers.
