Racial slurs spur unrest at Owatonna High School

Racial slurs over social media are being blamed for disruption breaking out at Owatonna High School with students and police clashing on Feb. 11.
During the disturbance, which took place during school hours, two students were arrested and held in a juvenile detention center in Rochester. On Feb. 12, they were formally charged in Steele County District Court.
One student was charged with felony fourth-degree assault of a peace officer—
demonstrable bodily harm and two other misdemeanors.
The other student was charged with fourth-degree assault of a peace officer—physically assaulting, which is a gross misdemeanor and one other misdemeanor.
Captain Jeff Mundale of Owatonna Police said the juveniles will not be named in this matter. Investigators and school officials are working closely with this investigation that remains active, he said.
A third juvenile was cited and released for trespassing.
No additional details will be provided about the investigation at this time.
Officers responded to the high school on Feb. 11 at about 11:47 a.m. Owatonna Police received assistance from the Steele County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota State Patrol.
When police arrived, they saw a large group of students shouting and being disruptive in the commons area and gymnasium. For the safety of the students and staff, a lock-down was ordered by administration. Police said not all students were cooperative during the lock-down.
Gold Cross Ambulance responded to the school for medical emergencies not connected to any assault, according to police.
“Initial reports indicate a few white students posted racist comments on social media directed towards our black students,” said Chief Keith Hiller. “The hateful post(s) are being investigated as part of the ongoing investigation.”
Mundale warned that videos circulating on social media are not representative of what took place at the school. He said the videos are “a very small snapshot of the events that took place and do not capture a complete picture of the events that occurred.”