Full Notification

Multi Agency Response, 8 Arrested, Carnival Cancelled.

On 4/27/18 two uniformed Morgan Hill police officers, assigned to the annual “Home and School Club Carnival” at Britton Middle School, were contacted by school employees at 1748 hours. School staff notified officers that a male juvenile was in possession of a knife given to him by another male juvenile.

The juvenile in possession of the knife was contacted and arrested without incident while in line for one of the carnival rides. Immediately following his arrest, school officials identified the other male juvenile who furnished the knife to the arrestee. In addition to furnishing the knife, school officials advised police that the same subject had caused a disturbance on campus earlier in the day and had already been asked to leave.

When police attempted to contact him, he responded in an aggressive manner, took a fighting stance, and threatened officers with bodily harm. Additional units responded, and the subject was taken into custody. During the arrest, Morgan Hill officers were attacked and assaulted by the suspect and two other juveniles resulting in minor injuries to the officers.

The crowd grew to over 200 individuals, many confronting police and refusing to disperse. The hostile environment resulted in a police response from multiple agencies including Gilroy, San Jose, Sheriff, CHP, and Cal Fire.

Four additional juveniles were arrested by Morgan Hill PD and assisting agencies. All eight juvenile arrestees were booked into Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall on multiple charges, including but not limited to: possession of a knife on school grounds; assault on an officer; felonious threats on officers; inciting a riot; resisting, delaying, and obstructing a police officer. Throughout the incident, various arrestees and other subjects displayed gang signs, shouted gang slogans, and were wearing gang clothing.

A total of 59 law enforcement officers responded ensuring the safety of those attending the event.

Morgan Hill Police Department and Morgan Hill Unified School District agreed that the best course of action was to shut down the carnival and cancel the two remaining days.