A juvenile has been arrested after allegedly entering James W. Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax County, Virginia, without permission and assaulting a member of staff and a police officer.
The incident happened at about 8am on Thursday, when the former student entered the school during arrivals and caused a disturbance in the cafeteria and corridors, according to Fairfax County Police.
Video shared on social media appeared to show students moving away as the teenager walked through the cafeteria spraying a fire extinguisher. Police said a staff member attempted to intervene and was assaulted.
A school resource officer then detained the former student. Police allege that the teenager struck the officer twice during the arrest.
The juvenile has not been named. He is facing charges including trespassing, assault on a law enforcement officer and destruction of property.
In a letter sent to families, school officials said staff recognised the former student and followed him before security and police intervened. The disruption lasted about 10 minutes and was witnessed by pupils nearby, the letter said.
Some parents told local media they believed the school’s account understated the seriousness of the incident because it did not refer to the arrest or the alleged assaults.
Fairfax County Public Schools had been asked for a response.
