Police say a 15-year-old displayed a knife during the confrontation before a school employee stepped between two students.
SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Seven students were arrested after a fight at Montgomery High School prompted a lockdown Tuesday, with police saying a 15-year-old displayed a knife and moved toward another student before a school employee intervened.
Santa Rosa police said officers were sent to the school at 1250 Hahman Drive at about 1:10 p.m. Oct. 20 after receiving several reports of a physical altercation involving students. Early information indicated that a knife had been displayed, while other unconfirmed reports raised the possibility that a firearm was involved. Police later said they found no gun and had no evidence that a firearm was part of the confrontation.
Sixteen officers responded as the school was placed on lockdown. Police searched the campus, worked to identify the students involved and reviewed video from the incident. Investigators said initial information suggested the fight might have been gang-related, but the investigation remained ongoing and police had not announced a final determination about what led to the confrontation.
Investigators said a 15-year-old male student brandished a knife and advanced toward another student during the fight. A school employee stepped between the students and prevented the 15-year-old from moving farther toward the other student, police said. The teenager then left the campus before responding officers arrived.
Police later found the 15-year-old hiding behind a residence on Rock Creek Drive, across the street from the school. Officers also recovered a large knife with a fixed blade measuring about 4 inches nearby. Police said they believe the knife was the weapon displayed during the confrontation.
Several students suffered minor injuries and were treated at the school, according to police. One student was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries to the face and hand. Authorities did not release additional information about the student’s condition or identify any of the injured students.
All seven students were arrested on suspicion of battery on school grounds. Police said those arrested were a 14-year-old boy, three 15-year-old boys and three 16-year-old boys. The 15-year-old accused of having the knife was also arrested on suspicion of brandishing a weapon and possessing a weapon on school grounds.
The students’ names were not released because they are juveniles. An arrest on suspicion of a crime is not a finding of guilt, and police had not announced any juvenile court outcomes in the case.
The lockdown was lifted shortly after 1:55 p.m. after officers searched the campus and determined there was no continuing threat. Middle school students were released to parents and guardians first, followed by high school students, with officers assisting during the release.
The Santa Rosa Police Department’s Gang Crimes Team is continuing to investigate the fight, including the circumstances that led to it and whether gang activity played a role. Police said they are seeking additional information from anyone who witnessed the incident or has evidence related to it.
Author note: Last updated Oct. 22, 2026.