Investigation ongoing into recent riot at Tiyan High School

An update on the violence that unfolded at Tiyan High School. Two teens are under arrest following a riot that occurred on campus and several more students have been temporarily removed from the classrooms.

The investigation is ongoing. Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Superintendent, Dr. Kenneth Swanson spoke out and shared where they are in the investigation.

GDOE is trying to put a stop to violent incidents on their campuses.

Eighteen-year-olds Mikeson Lippwe and Sapuro Timothy were arrested on multiple counts of riot, assault, and disorderly conduct.  

“Frequently, we have a hard time having young folks understand that once you turn 18, the rules of life change,” Dr. Swanson said.

The riot at Tiyan High School involved 15 to 20 other students. 

Dr. Swanson shared, “Short-term suspension for everybody that was involved. The two 18-year-olds were transported, booked, and released to home custody–but the investigation part still goes on because we want to understand the underlying circumstances because these things don’t just happen out of the clear blue water itself.”

Court documents state both Lippwe and Timothy resorted to violence in defense of their friend, who was accused by another student of stealing a vape.

Despite being warned by school staff, the pair allegedly continued punching students involved in the brawl and bystanders.

Dr. Swanson hopes to get to the root of the issue. “It could be a range of things. Family conflicts that go back that don’t really involve the school, but they get expressed at the school. I don’t know what the underlying circumstance is in this case,” He said.

Swanson said all parents and guardians were contacted.

For now, GDOE’s students' support services are working to help students make better decisions to avoid conflict and violence.