Weatherford police investigate ‘scary’ situation at high school homecoming dance

WEATHERFORD — A homecoming dance Saturday night at Weatherford High School took an unexpected turn, requiring a quick response from local law enforcement.

According to Weatherford police, the incident occurred around 8:43 p.m. when four off-duty security officers at the event observed an altercation between a school administrator and a 17-year-old student.

The altercation reportedly began when the administrator confronted the student about using a THC vaporizer on the dance floor. The situation escalated into a fight, which resulted in the student's arrest and expulsion from the building. The administrator suffered minor injuries.

Shortly thereafter, at approximately 8:48 p.m., officers received reports of someone with a weapon on the dance floor, which prompted an immediate request for patrol assistance. Additional officers arrived with the appropriate weapons and provided emergency services in the vicinity.

While officers conducted a thorough search of the building and adjacent baseball fields following further reports of a weapon in the restroom, school officials began clearing the grounds.

WPD officers and Weatherford High School campus security have since reviewed surveillance footage and found no evidence of weapons being used on school property, police said. Officers on scene did not report or hear any gunshots.

In a message to families and staff, Weatherford High School Principal Dr. Bill Tommaney and Ninth Grade Center Principal Dr. Jessica Duenez assured the community that the situation is being treated with the utmost seriousness and stressed that student safety is their top priority.

They acknowledged the “ongoing fear” and distress and encouraged parents to discuss the incident with their children. School leaders claimed that “rumors circulating on social media and among our students were unconfirmed by our local law enforcement agencies.”

Counselors will be available at both the Ninth Grade Center and Weatherford High School on Monday to assist students, and additional safety measures will be implemented at both locations.

Students are asked to contact the Weatherford Police Department at (817)-598-4310 with further information regarding the event.