After a fight broke out between students from two area high schools, the Appleton Police Department says they are thankful things didn't end tragically.
The incident occurred on January 4 at approximately 4:00 p.m. when an Appleton Police Department School Resource Officer (SRO) reported to a disturbance involving a large group of students in the 1500 block of Schneider Place.
As the SRO arrived, the Outagamie County Emergency Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting that a gun had been displayed during the disturbance.
The SRO says he immediately reported the disturbance had already ended and some of the involved individuals were leaving the area in a vehicle.
After further investigation, the SRO determined a group of students from Appleton had arranged for a fight with students from Menasha.
Police say as the fight was occurring, a 16-year-old student from Menasha displayed an electronic control device (taser).
The same student returned to a vehicle and obtained a pellet gun, according to police.
The Appleton Police Department says he walked down the street threatening individuals by pointing the weapon at them while yelling at people to move away from an acquaintance.
The SRO arrived on the scene approximately 15 seconds after the weapon was introduced into the disturbance.
No one reported being injured as a result of the fight.
The Appleton Police Department says that while 15 seconds doesn't seem like much time, that time was crucial to this incident.
Based on video evidence obtained during the investigation, the Appleton Police Department says the young man who decided to grab a realistic looking pellet gun put himself in real danger of being shot by the responding SRO.
In a Facebook post, the Appleton Police Department says they are encouraging parents and guardians to discuss this incident with their students.
"Fortunately, the incident didn't end tragically," the Appleton Police Department said on Facebook.
Four students are being referred to Juvenile Intake for their role in the incident.
In addition, four students will receive Disorderly Conduct summons for their role in the disturbance.
