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5 arrested after Fridley High basketball player assaulted with pipe at game in New Hope

Arrests made after Twin Cities high school basketball game attack
Arrests made after Twin Cities high school basketball game attack 01:54

NEW HOPE, Minn. — Three men and two boys are in custody after a Twin Cities high school basketball player was attacked with a pipe at a game Tuesday night, according to the New Hope Police Department.

Just after 7 p.m., school resource officers at Robbinsdale Cooper High School responded to an assault during the game against Fridley High School.

Police say the victim — a 17-year-old boy on Fridley's team — was sitting on the bench at the time of the attack, just moments after the game started. Video circulating online shows people inside the gym scattering and players rushing to safety before the gym was put on lockdown.

First responders treated the victim at the scene for a head injury. Police say his injuries are not life-threatening.

Traffic cameras show New Hope police stopping and arresting the group near Highway 169 moments later, just minutes away from the school. Police credit school resource officers for helping with the quick response.

Five people were taken into custody and "evidence was recovered," police say. The adults are a 19-year-old man from Circle Pines and two 18-year-old men from Brooklyn Park. All were arrested on suspicion of riot.

"This incident was not random," the department said. "School affiliations of those involved are unclear at this time."

In a statement to district families, Fridley Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Lewis says the attackers "were not associated with Fridley Public Schools, Cooper High School, or Robbinsdale Area Schools."

"The safety of our students and community is always our highest priority," Lewis said. "Fridley High School's care and support staff are available to assist any student who may need support as a result of this incident." 

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office now has the case and is considering charges.

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