The six Wilson High School students charged in the January attack at the Gallery Place Metro station have been allowed to return to school, but a judge ordered they don’t use Metrorail -- a condition some of their attorneys said was overly burdensome and causing them to be late to school.
The judge declined their request to lift the restriction, saying, “This condition is difficult for everyone, I’m sorry. But there is probable cause.”
Just after 8 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Gallery Place station, about 20 to 30 students were on the platform when at least one teen punched a 35-year-old man, police said. When the man fought back, other teens joined the fight.
Five boys and one girl ages 16 and 17 were charged with aggravated assault, conspiracy and assault on a police officer, among other charges.
All six teenagers stood before a judge Monday and asked for a trial, which was set for April 25. There was no mention in court of any plea deal discussions.
D.C. Public Schools declined to comment on the students’ status or why parents at Wilson High weren’t notified the students were allowed to return to class, citing privacy laws.
While the teens are prohibited from using Metrorail, they can use Metrobus, and their lawyers say that takes an hour or more to get to and from school each day. One of the lawyers said it could impact his client’s ability to visit colleges, because he’s being marked late to school so often.
