California graduation ends in scuffle involving students, parents

A graduation ceremony at Kerman High School in California descended into chaos after a confrontation in the parking lot escalated into a scuffle involving students, parents, and police, resulting in four arrests, New York Post reports.

The incident began with an argument between two students shortly after the ceremony. One of the seniors, who was on probation, was initially detained by officers before the situation intensified.

“It should have stopped there, but at some point, they had family members, emotions are high, decided to insert themselves into that situation,” Kerman Police Lieutenant Wil Barcoma said.

Video from the scene showed officers attempting to restore order as tensions rose. One woman, identified as the senior’s mother, was knocked to the ground during the confrontation and later seen receiving assistance from bystanders.

Authorities said a teenage girl struck an officer and attempted to resist arrest. Lt. Barcoma confirmed that four individuals were ultimately taken into custody in connection with the incident.

The senior and the other student involved in the initial dispute were both charged with challenging to fight. The senior also faces charges of violating court orders and obstruction, while his mother was charged with resisting a police officer.

Among students attending the ceremony, some said the disturbance overshadowed what should have been a celebratory occasion.

The incident comes days after a separate graduation ceremony in California’s Central Valley was also disrupted by violence, resulting in six arrests.

In that earlier case, graduating senior Adam Velasquez, 19, was among those detained. His family claimed another graduate insulted his late brother, which allegedly triggered the altercation.

Others arrested included Jonathan Melena Garcia, 19; Nicholas Perez, 18; and Andrew Velasquez, 20, who were charged with disturbing the peace. Mariano Malena Garcia, 22, was arrested on obstruction charges, and Sabrena Marie Chavez was later taken into custody for battery.

By Vafa Guliyeva