Romulus school officials promise “harshest legal measures” for four students detained after gunfire broke out at varsity football game

ROMULUS (WWJ) Police detained seven teens, ages 13 through 17, after shots were fired outside Friday night’s varsity football game at Romulus Middle School, the district said.

“Many of you are waking up to the disturbing news that gunshots were fired in the parking lot at (Friday) night’s varsity football game,” Romulus Community Schools Superintendent Benjamin Edmonson wrote in a letter to families on Saturday. “Fortunately, no injuries occurred but enough chaos has ensued from these actions to create alarm, concern and scrutiny.”

Four of the teens taken into custody are students of Romulus Community Schools, he said.

He said the school is preparing to take the “harshest legal measures possible, including expulsion and prosecution.”

The next varsity football game at Romulus Middle School, at Wick and Shook, will employ “very strict measures” to improve safety, according to school officials.

“Safety is my greatest concern at these games and will guide all our decisions,” Edmonson wrote.

Students will have to provide their MiStar identification, if they attend Romulus schools, upon entering the game and students from other districts will have to show their own school ID. They will also be required to sit in the bleachers rather than loitering near gates or bathrooms. All middle school and high school administrators will attend all home games in case students need assistance.

Middle and high school students must also be accompanied by a legal guardian over the age of 30, school officials said.

“Any measures taken may prolong your entrance into the game and we certainly remind you why we are doing this….everyone deserves a safe, orderly experience,” Edmonson wrote. “This incident is beyond being just a problem for RCS; this is a societal problem.”

He added the school is in communication with the mayor; and students, faculty and staff should anticipate a community forum in the near future.