NORMAN, Okla. – Several students have been suspended, and a coach has been terminated, after reports of an “extremely disturbing” incident with the Norman North Junior Varsity wrestling team.
The alleged incident happened on the bus as the JV wrestling team was returning from a tournament.
Sources close to the investigation tell KFOR that the incident involved a 12-year-old boy who was allegedly sexually assaulted by several upperclassmen while on the school bus.
The boy was allegedly held down, and his mouth was covered so he couldn’t scream, as he was sexually assaulted by two teens believed to be students at Norman North High School.
As soon as district officials were notified about the incident, they contacted Norman PD and simultaneously began an internal investigation, according to the Director of Communications at Norman Public Schools.
We are also told the attack was captured by surveillance cameras on the bus.
School officials say, within a matter of hours, two students were suspended.
They say more students are being suspended as the investigation continues.
A press released from Norman PS also says, “An adjunct coach who was responsible for supervising students on the bus was immediately dismissed. A second coach has been suspended pending further investigation.”
Police say they are conducting interviews but cannot comment at this time due to the nature of the incident.
“Student safety is a top priority. This is an ongoing investigation, and we will continue to work with police to pursue any appropriate criminal charges. Any parents or students who have been involved in the wrestling program and have information or concerns about inappropriate activities are urged to immediately contact district administration or the Norman Police Department.”
“We really want to ensure we get the full picture of what happened. So, at this point, investigators are working to gather those interviews,” said Sarah Jensen, with the Norman Police Department.
News of the incident stunned parents of students at Norman North.
“I’m shocked. Really, I am,” said Linda Gray, another student’s parent. “Someone really needs to get down to it and figure out what’s going on. That child should not have been on the bus with those other students.”