3 charged in Illinois high school food fight

[June 04, 2007]  AURORA (AP) -- A high school senior accused of starting a massive food fight that left a police officer injured was among three students arrested in the prank.

At least 200 students were in West Aurora High School's cafeteria when french fries, milk, sandwiches and pizza slices were hurled in a free-for-all, authorities said.

"It was just insane," said senior Zach Little, who was in the cafeteria when the melee began Thursday. "Things like milk cartons, full pop bottles and blue slushies were flying around. Kids literally bought the food to throw it and, to me, that's a little expensive."

The alleged instigator, Demetrius Oglesby, 18, faces a felony charge of resisting arrest after authorities said he ran from a police officer. The officer tripped over another student who had fallen during the food fight, breaking his foot. A school official also suffered minor injuries.

Two juveniles also face misdemeanor charges from the incident, including a 15-year-old charged with mob action and disorderly conduct and a 14-year-old charged with assault.

Students said rumors of the food fight had been circulating throughout the 3,000-student school all week as a senior prank.

"A prank is something that's funny and doesn't harm anything or anyone, but a food fight is entirely different -- a bad choice, bad judgment," said Principal John Glimco.

Administrators increased security at the school 30 miles west of Chicago and closed the cafeteria on Friday. The lunch area will remain closed on Monday, the last day of classes.

"There will be consequences for the students involved," said Mike Chapin, a spokesman for West Aurora School District 129.

[Text copied from Associated Press file]