Student arrested after ‘altercation’ at San Rafael middle school

A juvenile was arrested in connection with violence at Davidson Middle School, authorities said.

The incidents occurred Sept. 12 and 13. San Rafael City Schools Superintendent Carmen Ghysels referred to at least one of the incidents as a “physical altercation” in a letter Tuesday to the school community.

She declined to offer details due to student privacy laws.

“You may be aware that there were incidents both on campus and off campus last week, including a physical altercation during lunch on Thursday involving many students,” Ghysels said in the letter. “Working with the district and school administration, and with support from the SRPD, we began the investigation based on our initial information, and took appropriate disciplinary action.”

Police declined to release more details.

“Complaints for prosecution are being sought for several of the other individuals involved in both cases that are being investigated,” San Rafael police Sgt. Justin Graham said. “The complaints have been and will be forwarded to the Marin County District Attorney’s Office.”

Ghysels said she met this week with some of the families involved. She said the incidents appear to be part of a rising trend of violence online, in schools and in the community.

“Fighting and acts of violence and hatred are not tolerated at Davidson,” she said. “We take any and all reports of threats or violence seriously, and we are making every effort to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment for all.”