Five Arrested After Pipe Attack at Cooper High School Basketball Game
Five people are in police custody after a Fridley basketball player was attacked with a pipe during a game at Cooper High School.
According to a message sent to Cooper High School families, the incident occurred on Tuesday, Jan. 28 shortly after the game started.
School officials say six people came into Cooper and attacked a Fridley player on the bench with a pipe.
All student-athletes were moved to safety, and the gym was put on lockdown for spectators.
New Hope police said in a news release that school resource officers were on site and provided medical aid to the victim.
Police also got information from the victim about the suspects, and followed a vehicle that matched the suspect description.
After a pursuit, five suspects — as well as evidence related to the crime — were taken into police custody.
According to New Hope police, three of the suspects are adult men, while two are underage boys.
School officials say none of the suspects are students of Robbinsdale Area Schools.
The incident is still under investigation — and police say it was not a random attack.
New Hope police ask anyone with information to call them at (763) 531-5170.
In the message to district families, Robbinsdale Area Schools Assistant Superintendent Marti Voight wrote that Cooper High School care and support staff are available to help.
“We are grateful for the swift actions of our SROs, coaches, athletic director, and support staff, who did an outstanding job keeping everyone calm during the situation,” Voight wrote. “We remain committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for our school community.”
See also: Robbinsdale School District Assistant Principal Faces Possible Felony Charge