Schoolyard Scuffle Turns into Ugly Beat-Down at East

Four Brookfield East High School boys were arrested after an ongoing disagreement turned into an after-school fight – and the fight turned into a three-on-one pummeling of a 15-year-old by older boys.

Those three were taken into custody, and police sought criminal charges of substantial battery for the injuries they inflicted. But the seeming victim was also cited for disorderly conduct for allegedly playing some part in instigating the fight.

According to police reports:

At 3:35 p.m. Wednesday, police were called to Brookfield East after the 15-year-old Brookfield boy was evasive and uncooperative with teachers and staff who had gotten wind of an altercation after classes let out for the day.

He at first wouldn't look anyone in the eye, but when he did, he showed a face badly bloodied and bruised.

Police and school officials were able to determine who was responsible and began seeking the parties involved.

One 17-year-old Milwaukee boy was arrested Wednesday, and the other two, one 17 and one 16, also from Milwaukee, were arrested the next day for substantial battery. The two older boys were referred as adults to the District Attorney's Office for state criminal charges; the 16-year-old was referred to Juvenile Court authorities.

The 15-year-old told police he had been "jumped," but an investigation showed that "words had been exchanged before between these kids," and that the younger boy was thought to be partly culpable, resulting in a municipal citation.

He was treated for a chipped tooth, cuts on his face, and a bloody nose and mouth.