EDWARDSVILLE — An Alton student is suing the school after he was allegedly attacked by another student in the middle school cafeteria.
Tiffany Pruitt, as the natural mother and on behalf of Westyn Pruitt, a minor, filed a complaint in Madison County Circuit Court against Alton Community Unit School District 11, also known as Alton Middle School, John Doe, and others, alleging negligence and battery.
According to the plaintiffs' complaint, on Nov. 15, 2021, Doe, a student at Alton Middle School, told at least two other students that he was going to fight Westyn Pruitt. The plaintiffs claim that afternoon, Pruitt was attacked by Doe in the cafeteria. He was allegedly repeatedly punched in the face and then slammed to the ground.
The plaintiffs allege Pruitt suffered several fractures, emotional distress and incurred medical expenses as a result of Doe's attack.
They claim the defendants were negligent for failing to timely intervene or prevent the alleged unprovoked attack on the school premises and failed to properly supervise Doe. They also claim the defendants are negligent for failing to properly hire, train and supervise competent employees.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of more than $50,000, plus interest and all other just relief. They are represented by Matthew O'Grady and Breanna Flowers of Onder Law LLC in St. Louis.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 2023LA001412