By Investigative Reporter, Linda Sutter – September 30, 2026 A routine call for assistance at Crescent Elk Middle School on Tuesday resulted in the temporary detention of a 12‑year‑old student who refused to leave campus after being suspended, according to Crescent City Police Chief Richard Griffin. Police were requested by school officials when the student, who had been formally suspended earlier in the day, declined multiple directives to exit school grounds. Officers Phillippa and Thao responded to the campus and attempted several times to persuade the juvenile to leave voluntarily. When the student continued to passively resist, officers determined they had no alternative but to physically detain her. The juvenile was placed in handcuffs and removed from the campus without incident. Chief Griffin emphasized that the officers’ actions were consistent with department policy and appropriate for the circumstances. “I reviewed the officers’ body‑worn camera footage myself,” Chief Griffin stated. “There was nothing out of order. The officers acted professionally and followed procedure.” Following her removal, the student was cited and released to a parent for violations of Penal Code 602 (trespass) at the request of school officials, and Penal Code 148 (obstructing/resisting an officer) for refusing to comply with lawful commands. Police also conducted a search of the student’s backpack, which revealed no weapons or contraband. Chief Griffin confirmed that no weapons were involved at any point, and the school was never placed on lockdown or hold during the incident. The situation was resolved without injuries, and the student was released to her parent shortly after being cited. Del Norte Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Harris said the situation was a non‑violent, isolated incident involving a 12‑year‑old student who was having a difficult day. Harris reported that the student had allegedly assaulted another child, which resulted in the suspension, and the Resource Officer attempted several times to de‑escalate the behavior. Crescent City Police were called in for additional support to help maintain order at the school. School officials and the Crescent City Police Department have not released further details due to the age of the juvenile.