10/03/2026
UPDATE: Hanson Police would like to provide some clarification regarding the incidents reported below.
Both incidents involved juveniles who reside within the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District. There were no Silver Lake students involved, and none of the individuals involved were members of either football team. All were spectators.
Regarding the first incident, the juvenile was removed from the game and transported to the Hanson Police Department to await a parent or guardian. Criminal charges are being pursued, and the juvenile will be summonsed to Juvenile Court.
The second incident remains under investigation. During the altercation, it was reported that a knife was present; however, the knife was not used during the fight itself. No juveniles have been taken into custody in connection with the second incident at this time. Criminal charges will be determined following the completion of the investigation, which includes the identification of those involved and determining each individual's role in the altercation.
The Hanson Police Department is informing the public that officers responded to two troubling incidents at the football game between Whitman-Hanson and Silver lake tonight at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, and multiple criminal charges may be sought as a result.
Hanson Police assisted staff as they ejected several students from the game due to inappropriate behavior.
Police, who were already on scene, were then called when a fight erupted between students. While breaking up that fight, police took custody of a juvenile who refused to comply with orders and then assaulted officers despite efforts to de-escalate.
Later in the game, another fight occurred, where a juvenile was reported to have repeatedly kicked and stomped on another juvenile’s head. There were also reports of a knife being brandished at some point during the fight. The second fight remains under investigation because several involved individuals fled the area before police arrived.
Hanson Police enjoy being on the field to support Whitman-Hanson teams. The objective of officers is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for students, student athletes, and spectators. Those who create an unsafe environment are dealt with swiftly and professionally to ensure the safety of all.
We would like to thank Whitman Police and the Hanson Fire Department for their assistance, and we thank all those who attended the game tonight while behaving respectfully toward others.