Bixby Police Investigating Assault At Middle School Recorded By Another Student

Bixby Police investigate an assault after officers said cell phone video showed one student attacking another during class.

Police said the victim in the video went to the hospital Monday to get checked out. Investigators said they are confident the attack was premeditated.

Bixby Police said a middle school student assaulted another student in class, grabbing her by the hair, pulling her to the ground, then punching her while she was down, before walking away. The teacher is seen right after the incident, then the video ends. 

Bixby Public Schools declined to do an interview but released a statement that said in part, "It would not be appropriate for us to share actions that have been taken regarding the students involved. The district does not condone violence in any form and will act swiftly to ensure those involved are held accountable." 

The district went on to say, "Unfortunately, fights are not uncommon especially dealing with young adolescents. It's very unfortunate this one was captured on video and shared." 

Bixby Police believe the attack was planned because whoever took the video on their cell phone started recording before the assault happened. Assistant Police Chief Andy Choate said it's possible the student taking the video could also face charges, saying that person must have known something was going to happen. 

Patrick Wandres, attorney for the student who was attacked issued the following statement, saying,

“We are saddened and, quite frankly, shocked by the district’s comments on how unfortunate it is that this attack was captured on video. What is unfortunate is the school’s history of lack of oversight. Multiple sources have come forward to let us know that this same attacker has a pattern of violence toward other students and is still allowed to attend school.

The school was aware that this child was in danger, but instead of taking action, they dropped the ball. It is unfortunate that the district has failed to keep students out of known harm."

The Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller issued a statement in response, saying,

"Bixby Schools would like to clarify earlier statements made relative to this terrible incident. First, there is absolutely no veracity to Mr. Wandres's insinuation that the school did not act quickly and deliberately in investigating and responding to this incident. The comment made about the video, referring to the fact that the recording was shared on social media and now on the news, was out of respect for the student who was a victim in this attack. We did not want this young lady to endure any additional embarrassment or indignity by having to be repeatedly exposed to this hateful video. Bixby Schools does not condone violence of any kind and we are heartbroken that this child was attacked by another student in one of our schools. It is unacceptable and individuals who were involved have received consequences in accordance with our student code of conduct. We will continue to coordinate with local law enforcement on any additional legal action resulting from this incident."

Police will forward their investigation to juvenile court for prosecution.