EVERGREEN, Colo. -- Two JV football team players from Evergreen High School are learning the consequences of their actions after their alleged bullying turned into hazing this week.
A 15-year-old and a 16-year-old were arrested and have been suspended following "multiple incidents over a period of time," according to Diana M. Wilson, a spokeswoman for the Jefferson County School District. Both teenagers were also kicked off the football team, Wilson added.
The 16-year-old was charged with felony menacing after he reportedly threatened a student with a piece of broken glass in one of the incidents. The 15-year-old was arrested on a charge of harassment, the Sheriff's Office spokesperson said.
The incidents involved a total of four students, some of whom were also on the football team.
The main incident that led to deputies being involved in the investigation happened on Monday on school grounds, according to a Jefferson County Sheriff's Office spokesperson. Deputies do not believe that staff were aware when the incident was occurring.
In the small mountain school of about 1,000 students, word of the arrest has spread quickly.
"I know it was probably a joke, but it’s probably not funny to joke about, and he shouldn’t have done it," said Jack Patterson, an Evergreen High School student, who said the coaches may be sending a message about hazing. "Coaches have been like, kind of cracking down on it, saying that teens should not be doing it any more. It’s definitely not as bad as the past, but there are still some small incidents that go on."
School officials also sent out the following letter to parents informing them of the arrests and where students can report any type of incident anonymously:
Dear Evergreen High Families,
I wanted to inform you of a recent incident at our school that may be in the news. I prefer to keep disciplinary actions confidential, however, since the media has been inquiring about the incident I felt it better to inform you directly.
Two students have been charged by Jeffco Sheriff’s Office because of incidents on school grounds. Independent of actions by law enforcement we simultaneously took swift and appropriate disciplinary action on the school level. Out of respect for student privacy I will not be sharing additional information. Please trust that all relevant parties have been addressed as part of our school discipline protocols.
Safety and security of our students is always a priority. This is a good time to remind your students about the Safe2Tell program where they can report safety concerns anonymously at 877-542-7233 or www.safe2tell.org.
We value treating each other with respect at Evergreen High; know that every student at Evergreen deserves the opportunity to go to school free from threat, intimidation, or bullying. I can assure you when incidents like this occur our priority is to respect all parties and take the action needed to maintain a healthy, positive school community. We will continue to build Cougar Pride.
Sincerely,
Brandon Brekke, Principal
A football game scheduled for 7 p.m. in Conifer High School went on as planned, a school official told Denver7.
The case has been assigned to Jefferson County investigators.
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