A band director is recovering after being attacked by “a group of young individuals” near Southwest High School in Fort Worth on Friday night, according to the school’s principal.
In a post on social media, Principal John Engel said Friday afternoon, a group of young individuals assaulted one of their band directors near campus outside of school hours.
The school’s band director, Jeff DeMaagd, said he is recovering and feeling well after four people assualted him.
According to DeMaagd in a conversation over the phone with NBC 5, he said after a meeting with his band leaders on Frida, he saw several young people on the band’s tower in the parking lot. It’s used for directors and other leaders of the band to give directions from the top the members below.
He said he told the young people they needed to get down due to safety concerns and unlocked the gate to the ladder for them to climb down.
DeMaagd said instead, the young people climbed on the outside of the tower, which made him even more concerned.
The band director said he asked the group for their information and started using his phone to record the when one of them punched him, then swatted his phone, stole it and took off on a skateboard.
According to Fort Worth Police, the band director followed the individuals for a few blocks to 6100 block of Welch Ave.
He said three of the suspects grabbed him by the neck and started punching him.
“During the incident a driver passing by stopped to break up the assault. At that point all suspects walked away from the scene. The victim was transported to a hospital via private vehicle,” said the Fort Worth Police Department in a statement.
DeMaagd said he is recovering and in the process of getting his phone replaced. He declined to do an on-camera interview, but provided a statement.
“Too much attention is given to these bad actors. This is a terrible incident but is NOT a reflection of the wonderful community that is Southwest HS. I am healing and excited to rejoin the students, parents, teachers and admin,” said DeMaagd in a statement.
He said he will turn his attention and energy to students making positive choices for themselves and the community.
The band director said several witnesses were able to help identify two of the suspects. There are also several cameras in the area that captured parts of the incident.
Principal Engel does not believe Southwest students were involved.
“Both police and school administration are actively investigating this incident and those responsible will be held fully accountable,” said Engel in the statement.
According to the post, there are images circulating on social media of the teacher injured.
“These images may be upsetting to see, and I want to reassure you that our teacher is receiving care and that we are in close contact with him,” said Engel in the statement.
The school planned to have counselors and support staff available for any students who need it, especially for the band program.
“I want to express how deeply sorry I am that this happened. The safety and well-being of our students and staff guide every decision we make, and we remain committed to maintaining a secure and supportive environment for everyone,” Engel said.