MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Three Siegel High School students face criminal charges after a series of clashes left a deputy punched and teachers shoved in the school cafeteria Wednesday. Rutherford County SROs report that the altercations broke out in the school cafeteria. SRO Caleb Shadwick says he saw a 16-year-old student repeatedly shoving a teacher. When Shadwick tried to intervene, he had to take the student to the ground to gain control.

While Shadwick walked that student to his office, a 17-year-old student allegedly shoved the officer from behind. Investigators say the teenager then punched the SRO in the face several times. Shadwick used pepper spray to end the assault. That student now faces charges of felony assault on a first responder, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

A third student reportedly knocked another teacher to the floor. It took five officers to eventually take that student into custody after he actively resisted. All three teenagers are now at the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center.

Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan says the safety of students and staff remains the top priority. He thanked the Sheriff’s Office for their quick work to resolve the situation.

During the emergency response, a deputy headed to the school was involved in a car crash in front of nearby Siegel Middle School.

DISCLAIMER: The charges and allegations referenced in this story are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.