WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – Six teens -- 16 to 18 years old -- have been arrested in the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old girl near a Central Florida high dchool, police announced on Wednesday.
Tywuan Johnson, 17, of Sanford; Torreano Batton, 18, of Sanford; Josea Sims, 17, of Sanford; Deoante Stewart, 17, of Sanford; Marquis Pierre, 16, of Winter Springs; and Tobert Alexander, 16, of Sanford; were all arrested on charges of sexual battery and false imprisonment.
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Police said the assault occurred Thursday between 3-5 p.m. in a wooded area near Winter Springs High School, near State Road 434 and Tuscawilla Road.
The victim knew at least two of the boys, according to police, who said all the students attend Winter Springs High School.
Seminole County Public Schools said it could not comment on any discipline the students may face.
"School officials have been notified by the Winter Springs Police Department of the arrest of several young men. We cannot be specific as to any action taken by the school due to student confidentiality. Additionally, the school system has appropriate programs in place to meet the needs of any affected students," SCPS said.
Dr. Mickey Reynolds, principal of Winter Springs High School, posted a letter Monday on the school's website, saying, "If any WSHS students are arrested and charged with a crime, we will react swiftly in accordance with our district discipline policy."
"Prior to making these arrests, the Winter Springs Police Department painstakingly processed relevant facts, evidence and conducted interviews with several people to determine that solid and proper charges were filed against those allegedly responsible for this crime," the police agency said in a news release.
No other details, including the victim's condition, have been released.