Police: School staff injured while intervening in disturbance

MARY LOU MONTGOMERY

The school day at Hannibal High School, at 4500 McMaster’s Ave., began guardedly on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, with expanded police presence in place, and a heightened awareness of the potential for disruptive acts.

The response came in reaction to a physical altercation between students which transpired in the school’s halls on Thursday,  Feb. 5, just before lunch, in which several staff members were injured.

Jason Noland, Hannibal High School principal, penned a message to families, saying that “Campus staff responded immediately and quickly contained the situation.”

Unfortunately, he added, “Several staff members were injured while stepping in and received medical care.”

The Hannibal Police Department issued a press release via Facebook stating that the school’s resource officer was notified of the disturbance at 11:23 a.m.

Three additional officers responded to the school.

“It was determined that a juvenile male and female became involved in an altercation, when three additional juveniles became involved.

“During the incident it was determined that … school employees were injured trying to break up the fight,” police reported.

The school district declined to release information regarding the injured school employees, out of respect for the employees’ privacy.

The police reported: “Officers are obtaining evidence from the incident to refer to the 10th Circuit Juvenile Office.”

The police press release continued: “This incident is believed to be isolated to those individuals involved. However, out of an abundance of caution you will see an increased police presence tomorrow (Friday) at the Hannibal High School. We have a strong relationship with the school district and will continue to provide school officers to ensure our students have a safe, productive environment to learn.”