Swampscott teen arrested for fight at high school

SWAMPSCOTT -A student at Swampscott High School was arrested on Wednesday afternoon on several charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.Jillian Webster, 17, 80 King St. was arrested and charged with assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and disturbing a school assembly on April 15 at 1:56 p.m. The incident occurred at Swampscott High School, 200 Essex St.According to police reports, Webster allegedly hit a 16-year-old female with a plastic water bottle.”She also punched the other girl in the face a couple of time,” Detective Sgt. Tim Cassidy said. “The fight took place in a hallway and the girls were seperated by a substitute teacher who heard the commotion and went out into the hallway to break it up. It is unknown at this time what started the fight.”Superintendent Matthew Malone said two students were involved in a situation that led to the arrest of one student.”I cannot discuss specifics as the student discipline process has commenced,” he said. “But I can tell people the alleged dangerous weapon was not a firearm, a knife or other such weapon. Swampscott High School is a very safe and orderly learning environment.”Principal Larry Murphy said students and staff at the high school are skilled in conflict resolution so fortunately physical confrontation is rare.”This is the first fight we’ve had in almost two years,” he said. “I’m very proud of our students and their behavior.”Essex County District Attorney Office Spokesman Steve O’Connell said Webster was arraigned in Lynn District Court on Thursdayans pleaded not guilty. Judge Ellen Flatley issued a bail warning, a no abuse order and ordered Webster to have no avoidable contact with the alleged victim. She is scheduled to reappear in court on May 11 for a pre-trial hearing.