Police Investigating Officer-Involved ‘Tussle’ At Somerville High

SOMERVILLE, MA — Officials are investigating a Somerville police officer’s use of force against a high school student, according to a post on the city’s website.

According to the city, the incident took place on Monday afternoon during school dismissal, when Somerville police responded to a call from a relative for a family matter involving a different student.

Officers had been asked by the child’s mother to remove the student from the school and bring them home. The student initially agreed to travel with the officer home and entered the police cruiser, but another student opened the door of the cruiser to convince the student to get out.

The ‘tussle’ began when second student refused police orders to leave the area, and one of the officers got into a physical struggle with that student, bringing him to the ground, officials said.

The struggle continued as the pair got to their feet and the officer reportedly pushed the student back before school staff stepped in in an attempt to deescalate the situation. The second student was escorted away by a female student.

“Any use of force by a Police Officer is a serious matter." Somerville Police Chief Charles Femino said in a statement. After a preliminary review of these circumstances, I have ordered the Professional Standards Office to begin an internal investigation.”

No injuries were reported and no further information has been released.