Student charged with assaulting teacher during melee at Clarke Central

By Joe Johnson

A pair of students were arrested in connection with what was described as a melee at Clarke Central High School that involved students from two schools.

The incident happened after school let out the afternoon of February 26, but a police report about it was only just made available.

The brawl reportedly involved students from CCHS and the alternative school who were waiting for their rides home in the bus loop at the back of the school.

A resource officer reported that the melee had been sparked by Classic City High School students who “entered our campus to ambush one of our 15-year-old Central High School girls.”

He noted that the “melee eventually pushed its way from the bus loop and into the building.”

Azaria Rucker, an 18-year-old Classic City student, allegedly kicked a teacher’s knee repeatedly as administrators and officers tried to restore order.

Azaria Tyunna Rucker

The 52-year-old teacher “advised his knee was in pain and that he wanted to press charges against Rucker.”

Rucker was charged with simple battery on a public school system employee, which is a misdemeanor of an aggravated nature, and disruption of school operations.

Her 17-year-old boyfriend, Damion Cantey, also a Classic City student, was arrested for allegedly punching a CCSH student in the head and riotous behavior.

He was charged with disorderly conduct and disrupting school operations.

It was noted in the police report that while Cantey was being restrained by an officer, Rucker kept reaching around the cop’s waist, “putting her hand in close proximity to his gun.”

She and Cantey fled from the campus but were apprehended near Rocksprings Street by an officer who gave chase.

Both students were released on bond and are scheduled to be arraigned in Superior Court on April 17.