Eastpointe police, school officials collaborate to stop fighting at local shopping center

Eastpointe Police are working with Eastpointe Community Schools officials to ensure that high school students are not going to Eastbrook Commons shopping center after class dismissal to engage in fights.

Last week, police were dispatched to Eastbrook Commons in response to reports of students fighting in the plaza, which is next door to Eastpointe High School.

According to a letter sent to parents by Todd Yarch, school principal, no one was injured but the May 9 altercation caused a disruption to the businesses. Yarch went on to state students should not be in Eastbrook Commons for any reason and those who “continue to engage in this behavior will face immediate consequences.”

Yarch said students found to be at the plaza after dismissal could face immediate suspension and will be ticketed by city police.

“We will not continue to allow this behavior to define our school,” said Yarch. “We want Eastpointe High School to be a safe place to learn each and every day, and we will continue to work with law enforcement to make that a reality.

Eastpointe Police Chief Corey Haines said his department is working with ECS to put measures in place to discourage a repeat of such activity.

“Unfortunately, we have had a few students making very poor choices and engaging in unacceptable behavior at the plaza next to EHS,” said Caitlyn Kienitz, ECS communications director. “This is absolutely not how we want our students to be engaging with the Eastpointe community.

“We are working with the Eastpointe Police Department and our school resource officer to investigate, issue tickets, and keep dismissal time safe for our community and the vast majority of EHS students who do not choose to engage in this behavior.”

Kienitz said the students involved in the incident, as well as their parents, will be required to attend a meeting with Superintendent Christina Gibson to define the disciplinary consequences of their behavior and talk to them about what is leading them to behave this way.

“We know that the constant, pervasive nature of social media is a major contributing factor when it comes to the fights we have seen taking place,” said Kienitz. “We are working on parent outreach and education to help families establish healthy and safe habits when it comes to social media and technology, as well as non-violent approaches to conflict.

“We are also actively working to increase safe after school opportunities for our students, including at the Boys and Girls Club right next door to EHS.”