AVON — Avon Police confirm several people, including juveniles, have been charged with disorderly conduct following a "disturbance" at Mercy Health Stadium Tuesday night.
Lorain High School was holding its graduation ceremony at the stadium.
A news release issued early Wednesday morning said, "Officers assigned to the off-duty assignment at Mercy Health Stadium, requested additional Avon Officers and the Avon Fire Department to the scene for assistance. At 2107 (9:07 p.m.) hours, a request was made for mutual aid with Avon Lake, North Ridgeville, Sheffield Village and Westlake."
On Wednesday, Avon Police Department's Public Information Officer Jim Drozdowski said, "There was a group of kids milling about on the side. Soon as the student came down, they rushed him. A fight started. They (officers) went in there to break it up and then fights started in various places."
At this point, police believe the male who was attacked was a Lorain High School graduate.
Investigators are still determining who was involved and their associations.
Drozdowski said one juvenile suffered a hand injury and went to the hospital. He said one adult and three juveniles have been charged with disorderly conduct so far.
"This is just a small group that started this situation and ruined it for all these other kids," Drozdowski said.
Four off-duty Avon Police Officers and several school resources officers from Lorain City Schools worked the gradation.
"This is a large public event, and you see multiple fights breaking out that can send panic and really cause a lot of issues?" I asked Drozdowski.
"Correct, and that was our biggest concern," Drozdowski said. "That's why they (officers) didn't waste any time. They immediately called for mutual aid. Within 45 minutes the situation was calmed down."
Jeremiah Clark got his diploma that night but couldn't get any photographs afterward.
"It's embarrassing, really embarrassing for our school because like why ya'll doing that?" Clark said.
He saw commotion after the ceremony and got out of the way.
"I just got to the car," Clark said. "I was just sitting outside the car until everything cleared by so we can leave."
Despite what occurred after the graduation ceremony, Clark said he wanted the focus to remain on his classmates who were happy about reaching goals and preparing for the future.
"I've definitely made a lot of mistakes through life," Clark said. "It wasn't just no like little misdemeanors and stuff. It was definitely serious… gun charges (and) assault charges."
Clark said the trouble led to tough lessons, probation and programs to get him back on track.
Clark said accountability and support from his grandma and a few teachers helped him graduate.
"At the same time I changed, you feel me?" Clark said. "I mean, I ain't the same. I haven't been involved with the police (and) I don't touch guns."
Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Jeff Graham, superintendent of Lorain City Schools, issued the following statement.
"Despite an unfortunate incident that occurred approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of the Lorain High School graduation ceremony last evening at Crushers Stadium in Avon, the District celebrated a beautiful commencement ceremony, amazing student speeches, and its highest graduation rate in a generation with 432 students earning 45 associate's degrees.
Thousands of proud friends and family members filled Crushers Stadium to honor their achievements.
According to reports from the Avon Police Department, officers assigned to the off-duty security detail at the stadium requested additional assistance shortly after 9:00 PM when a disruption occurred as the graduation concluded. One male sustained a hand injury during the incident and was transported to Cleveland Clinic Avon for treatment.
We are proud of the beautiful ceremony celebrating our class of 2024, and we are disgusted by the absolutely awful conduct of some individuals from Lorain and a neighboring community after the conclusion of the event.
Avon Police Department was great to work with throughout the process and throughout the evening. Unfortunately, this was our first event at Crushers Stadium and I drastically underestimated the number of officers needed in the parking lot during dismissal. I own that. However, we will not let the behavior of a handful of people define who we are as a school district or as a community.
Lorain City Schools prioritizes the safety of our students, families, staff, and community at all school events. More information will be provided as it becomes available."
Clark hopes those involved have a reality check.
"My senior year, I was really behind. But I still finished. That's why you can't ever give up on yourself," Clark said. "You can make anything happen. You just got to keep your mind to stay dedicated to it."
