Watch CBS News

Fight At North Middlesex High Leaves Teen With Serious Head Injuries

TOWNSEND (CBS) — A 16-year-old student will appear in a Lowell juvenile court Wednesday after being charged in a fight at a Townsend high school that left a friend seriously hurt.

The fight broke out inside North Middlesex Regional High School shortly before 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

North Middlesex Regional High School
North Middlesex Regional High School in Townsend. (WBZ-TV)

"Our investigation indicates the two boys were friends and they got into a dispute that led one boy to strike another multiple times," says Townsend Police Chief Robert Eaton.

The argument escalated into a fist fight, with one teen violently beating the other. A third student stepped in to break up the fight, which was captured on camera.

North Middlesex Regional High School fight
The fight inside North Middlesex Regional High School was recorded on cell phone video, May 24, 2016. (WBZ-TV)

About 10 minutes later, the injured teen began to slip in and out of consciousness. He was rushed to the hospital where he's being treated for head trauma.

"There's nothing positive that has come out of the events of today. We have two local families – one from Ashby, one from Townsend – who are devastated," Eaton said on Tuesday.

Counselors will be available at the school Wednesday.

"This is a deeply unfortunate situation and I know many of us are struggling to make sense of it," said School Superintendent Joan Landers.

"We do not tolerate violence in our school community and we are working closely with the police department."

The unhurt teen has been charged with assault and battery with intent to do serious bodily injury. He was released to his parents.

No names have been released, due to their ages.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports

WBZ-TV's Anna Meiler and WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.