A physical altercation broke out following a youth basketball game Tuesday night, Jan. 13, 2026 at Cascade Middle School in White Center, prompting a response from school safety staff, local law enforcement and emergency medical crews.

King County Fire District No. 2 said emergency medical crews treated a 13-year-old for a small laceration above the left eye. The individual left the scene with a parent.

No other injuries were treated by EMS, according to Ray Desmarais, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal for King County Fire District No. 2.

The district said the incident involved individuals from an opposing school in a neighboring district and members of the Cascade school community.

Highline Public Schools Community Safety Department responded, along with local police and fire, and the incident remains under investigation in coordination with law enforcement.

“My child was assaulted during the disturbance after the basketball game,” said a parent who asked not to be identified. “It started when a parent became upset about kids cheering and began yelling and making threats. Things escalated quickly, and several students were hurt in the chaos. My child was not involved in the argument but was struck and came home with a bruised face.”

The district said the safety of students, staff and families is its top priority and that physical altercations are not acceptable or condoned at school events.

“We appreciate the many Cascade students, families and staff who helped encourage calm, safe and respectful behavior during a challenging moment,” Chief Communications Officer Tove Tupper told South King Media. “We expect all participants and spectators of our athletic events to demonstrate sportsmanship and respect before, during, and after events.” 

A witness who contacted The B Town Blog said the disturbance occurred outside the school at around 6 p.m., and involved several middle school students and two adults.

The witness reported that the confrontation escalated and that one of the adults retrieved a knife from a vehicle, prompting calls to police.

The witness also said multiple bystanders recorded the incident and that school security cameras captured the events, and urged anyone with video to share it with investigators.

Law enforcement has not released additional details about possible arrests or charges.