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A morning bathroom fire followed by alleged battery and mob action were part of a turbulent Friday at East Aurora High School.

According to news releases issued Monday, Dec. 19, Aurora Fire Department emergency vehicles responded to an active alarm at around 9:37 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, at East Aurora High School. Upon arrival, firefighters learned that a garbage can was found ablaze in the men’s bathroom. The fire was quickly extinguished by a fast-acting school staff member.

There was no additional damage to the building, and no injuries were reported.

Aurora police responded and initiated an investigation, which resulted in the eventual identification of the offender. A 16-year-old juvenile student was arrested and charged with criminal damage to state supported property, a Class 4 felony.

“There was no known strategic motive for this act,” police said.

School Officer Battered at East Aurora High School

An Aurora Police Department school resource officer and EAHS staff member were injured in an altercation on Friday, Dec. 16, that occurred during the East Aurora High School dismissal.

The officer and staff member had been attempting to deal with two non-compliant students at the school’s dismissal time. The officer left briefly to attend another issue but was summoned back. He then learned that one of the students had intentionally struck the staff member with the school door, and the staff member wished to press charges.

The officer gave verbal orders to the student, who did not comply and struggled with the officer. The officer held her in place and summoned assistance.

Lester Swafford, a 52-year-old resident of the 1200 block Summit Avenue, entered the school, interfered in the arrest and battered the officer, police said. The officer and Swafford fell to the ground during the struggle.

The students involved in the previous dispute with staff then began to punch and kick the downed officer in the head, according to the Aurora Police Department news release. Police said the original school staff victim was then approached and battered by 48-year-old Claudette Fleming from the 1200 block of Summit Avenue.

All of combatants were eventually arrested. The school resource officer and staff member both suffered minor, diagnosed injuries.

Swafford, Fleming and the juveniles were charged with aggravated battery and mob action. The adults were held for bond call, and the juvenile was sent to the Kane County Youth Home.

SOURCE: Aurora Police Department