Five students arrested Wednesday after fight in cafeteria at Carolina Forest High School

A cafeteria fight at a Myrtle Beach area high school Wednesday led to five students getting arrested, according to police records.

Video footage at Carolina Forest High School showed two students fighting until another person joined in the fight, making it two people against one person.

A fourth student tried to diffuse the situation but was assaulted by a fifth student, who punched him in the face until school staff attempted to break up the fight.

Again, the fifth student pulled the fourth student’s pants down and choked him, according to incident reports.

The fifth student was arrested, along with a person from the initial fight. They were taken to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia.

The remaining students were given summons issued and released to parents.

It is not clear what led up to the fight due to conflicting statements, according to an incident report.

Principal Gaye Driggers sent an email to parents Wednesday after the incident:

“Dear Panther Parents and Guardians,

“Today during lunch, there was a brief altercation between a few students. The administration and School Security Officers addressed the incident quickly. Our student body was extremely cooperative and did not react to the inappropriate behavior of a few. We did end lunch five minutes early. The incident is under investigation by the school administration and local law enforcement was contacted. Once the investigation has been completed, we will hold students accountable for their actions in accordance with our district policies. As always, we appreciate the support of our parents and guardians.”