A large police presence was called to Clay High School Tuesday afternoon as the day of learning came to a very challenging end.

Police say as many as 100 students were involved in a number of fights that broke out at the school after 2 p.m.

Three juveniles were arrested after the multiple fights were broken up, according to the St. Joseph County Police, and transported to the Juvenile Justice Center. County Police were assisted by officers from South Bend and Mishawaka.

Some of the fights were said to have broken out in the cafeteria and in the hallway after students had been evacuated from the school for a suspected gas leak.

Superintendent Dr. Todd Cummings released the following statement regarding the incident:

“We were alerted to a situation at Clay High School on Tuesday afternoon that occurred immediately following a school evacuation due to a natural gas leak. As students were re-entering the building following the evacuation, police were called to the school to control a fight that had occurred in the lobby of the school. The altercation grew with additional students, some of whom were arrested for continuing to fight after police attempted to stop them.

The safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and visitors in our buildings is paramount; we expect all students to obey the law and abide by police officers’ orders. Additionally, as we re-enter the building tomorrow, we plan to provide restorative practices and additional student support services for all students.

School officials will continue to investigate the incident.”