13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Students suspended for possible gang activity

Students suspended for possible gang activity

Steve Jefferson/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - Two middle school students are suspended, possibly for the rest of the year, for gang activity.

Officials in the Washington Township school district believe they prevented a serious fight between rival groups when stopped a fight between two students at Northview Middle School. 

"Two individuals made a poor choice and decided to fight," said Superintendent Dr. James Mervilde. "We broke the fight up and no one was seriously injured or anything like that."

On Friday, school officials at the school found gang graffiti in a boys restroom. It included a 14-year-old male student's name, who reportedly threatened other students. The previous week, school police broke up a fight involving the same student. The 14-year-old claims a rival gang planned to attack him, which was no surprise to the gang task force.

"They will spray paint fences, sidewalks, cars and also some minor fist fights," a gang task force officer said.

A student tip revealed the 14-year-old planned an even bigger confrontation using weapons and explosives. Police searched the students locker only finding a camera. Officers say it showed him and other students throwing up gang signs, which is a school violation.

"We don't tolerate colors or any sort of gang activity or gang-associated activity," Dr. Mervilde said.

The superintendent stresses the situation at Northview Middle School shows the need for parents to monitor their child's activities. Gang task force investigators agree.

"Parents can look for change in attitude, wearing one particular color," the officer said.

"Be aware of what their kids are wearing, what kind of friends there are," Dr. Mervilde said.

The school district is promising swift action against any gang activity, suspicious or otherwise, and are recommending expulsion for the two students. The school is investigating how many other students are involved in gang activity, they too could face disciplinary action. School officials want to hear from parents who want to learn more about identifying signs of gang activity.