Fight between deputy, East Lee County High student leads to arrest

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. A East Lee County High School student faces a charge of felony battery on a law enforcement officer, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

The student was arrested at 12:41 p.m. Wednesday after getting into an altercation with a deputy at the school, the sheriff’s office said.

The deputy was uninjured, the sheriff’s office said. The circumstances leading up to the altercation remain unclear.

A separate and unrelated fight broke out between students while deputies were investigating the first encounter, the sheriff’s office said. Several students were arrested and face misdemeanor charges of disrupting a school function.

East Lee County High School Principal Sue Zellers wrote in an email to parents that there were three fights, two of which involved six students. She made no mention of a deputy’s involvement.

Two school staff members were injured during the fights, Zellers said.

Below is the full message from Zellers:

Good afternoon, this is Sue Zellers, Principal at East Lee County High School.
I am reaching out to inform you of 3 incidents that happened today on our campus. I want to make certain that you have accurate information and dispel any rumors that you may hear.

The first incident involved a student who was arrested for disturbing a school function. As law enforcement was addressing that incident, two other altercations erupted that involved 6 students. Staff immediately stepped in to break up that incident, which also resulted in arrests. Unfortunately, two staff members were injured during the first incident.

The safety and security of our staff and students are always our highest priority. We do not condone this behavior and will discipline the students involved to the fullest extent per the student code of conduct.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our leadership team.

Thank you.