MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A school security guard said gang members started the fight inside Westwood High School Tuesday.
The guard told police the seven teens involved are members of rival gangs, the Piru Bloods the Neighborhood Crips.
People in the community said they’re not surprised to hear this.
It didn’t take long for the word to spread about a fight between gang members at Westwood High School.
Edna White said she hears about gang problems at the school all the time.
“It is unacceptable but what can we do, we need everyone involved, we need the mayor to get involved. I think what they need to do is bring back these programs where they give young people something to do,” White said.
A security guard at the school told police the teens had to be pepper sprayed because they wouldn’t stop fighting. Some blame the problems on the teen’s role models.
“Parents, parents, parents, that’s the problem, parents don’t even care no more,” said Charles Dunn.
Even people who live in the area said they’re scared to let their children leave the house because the gang problem is out of control.
“Yes, the parents need to get involved. The community need to be involved. We need to see each child and try to help these children,” said White.
Shelby County Schools released a statement saying this incident was taken care of yesterday and the students were disciplined according to board policy.
The suspects were taken into custody by school security on juvenile summons or misdemeanor citation.
