Law enforcement officials are actively investigating several threats and incidents of violence at Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis County. On Monday, March 11, 2024, students were dismissed early from school amidst heightened security measures, including the presence of police vehicles and dogs on the school grounds.

According to Tracy Panus, spokesperson for the St. Louis County police, officers are currently investigating "many" threats at the school, and additional patrols have been deployed. The presence of law enforcement has caused concern among parents, who claim to have received no official notification from the district about the incidents at the school. Instead, many parents learned of the early dismissal from their children.

One recent incident involved a violent fight between two students on Friday, March 8, 2024. Police responded to Norgate and Claudine drives in Spanish Lake, a community in north St. Louis County, where they found a girl with a severe head injury. A 15-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of assault and referred to juvenile court.

The severity of the incident has prompted discussions about charging the 15-year-old suspect as an adult. However, the decision to do so rests with juvenile court officials and ultimately a St. Louis County juvenile judge. St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell expressed his condolences for the victim and emphasized the tragic nature of the situation.

The incident has shed light on ongoing issues of violence and bullying within the Hazelwood East High School community. Several parents and students have reported that safety concerns have persisted for an extended period. Sophie Ross, a sophomore, revealed that the victim of the recent assault had been facing bullying and was encouraged to "fight back" by a peer.

Anaya Bluiett, a concerned parent, disclosed that her daughter's academic performance has suffered due to the bullying she has experienced. Bluiett expressed her reluctance to send her daughter back to Hazelwood East High School and is now exploring alternative educational options.

The Hazelwood School District released a statement on Saturday condemning both bullying and fighting within the community and called for collective efforts to resolve these issues for the well-being of the students. Records from the district indicate that nine students faced disciplinary action for fighting at Hazelwood East High School last year, placing it among the top 10 schools in the St. Louis area for such incidents.

As investigations into the threats, violence, and bullying continue, the district is providing emotional support from their support and crisis team to those affected. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the students at Hazelwood East High School as the community grapples with these distressing incidents.

In light of recent developments, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address violence and bullying within the school. The investigation will shed light on the extent of the problem and hopefully pave the way for long-lasting solutions, for the sake of the students and the entire community.