A JOINT MEDIA RELEASE FROM LA GRANDE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND LA GRANDE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Incident at High School Football Game: Juvenile Detained
On August 30, 2024, at approximately 8:06 PM, the La Grande Police Department (LGPD) responded to a report of an incident at the La Grande High School football game held at Eastern Oregon University’s Community Field. Initial information indicated that a student from La Grande High School had allegedly initiated an altercation with one or more other students. There were also concerns that the male juvenile involved might be in possession of a handgun.
A Union County Sheriff’s Office deputy, who was providing security for the event, was immediately notified and attempted to make contact with the juvenile. The juvenile fled the EOU campus. La Grande Police officers quickly saturated the area and conducted a coordinated search for the individual. At the same time, officers on the scene gathered information, took statements, and worked to identify the juvenile. With the assistance of La Grande School District officials, the juvenile was identified promptly.
At approximately 8:32 PM, LGPD officers located and detained the 15-year-old juvenile. At this time, we have no information that anyone has been injured. The investigation is ongoing, and the La Grande Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, and La Grande School District are collaborating closely on this matter.
The information being released is preliminary, but in the interest of keeping our community informed, we want to assure everyone that the juvenile is in LGPD custody, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Further details will be provided as they become available and as appropriate. Anyone with information or who may have witnessed this incident is urged to contact the La Grande Police Department at 541-963-1017.