Crime

Police Chief Says He's Sorry Students Were Handcuffed At School

Parents and neighbors were upset after several students were arrested and handcuffed at their elementary school.

Police Chief Says He's Sorry Students Were Handcuffed At School
WTVF

A Tennessee police chief is apologizing after multiple kids were arrested at an elementary school. 

The incident happened on April 15 when police officers arrested and handcuffed 10 students at Hobgood Elementary School.

Newsy's partners at WTVF said the kids were arrested for failing to break up a fight that happened days before off school property. The children were charged with criminal responsibility for conduct of another.

Local lawmakers are calling for both federal and state investigations into the arrests. 

"Under what circumstances is there a rational basis, or a concern for public safety that you feel you would have to arrest an elementary age child," Rep. John Ray Clemmons said.

The Tennessean reports days after the arrests Murfreesboro Police Chief Karl Durr said, "I am so saddened, and I'm so sorry this incident happened because I truly think it could have been avoided."

The department started an internal review of the arrests to examine its policies and make any changes, if necessary.

This video includes clips from WZTV.