About 80 students to face charges after Kroger chaos in North College Hill

Teenagers caused damage to merchandise and the ceiling during an anti-ICE protest that spilled into a local grocery store.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Approximately 80 students will be charged with disorderly conduct after a video showed them causing damage inside a Kroger store in North College Hill, Ohio. The incident occurred on February 18 following an anti-ICE protest at North College Hill High School earlier that day. North College Hill police responded to the store and restored order after the 'disorderly conduct and disruptive behavior' by the students.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges schools and law enforcement face in balancing students' right to protest with maintaining public safety and private property rights. The incident also raises questions about how to hold students accountable for disruptive behavior while also providing guidance and teaching them to make responsible choices.

The details

According to North College Hill Schools superintendent Eugene Blalock, the district has worked with police to identify the approximately 80 students involved in the Kroger incident. The students will face charges of disorderly conduct, as well as school discipline including out-of-school suspension. Some students could face additional charges. Blalock said the incident was related to the earlier student-led protest against ICE at the high school.

  • On February 18, students held an anti-ICE protest at North College Hill High School.
  • Later that same day, the students caused damage inside a local Kroger store.

The players

Eugene Blalock

The superintendent of North College Hill Schools, who said the district is working with police to identify the students involved and hold them accountable.

North College Hill Police

Responded to the Kroger store and restored order after the 'disorderly conduct and disruptive behavior' by the students.

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What they’re saying

“Discipline is not about punishment. It's about teaching and guiding. We have given students the space and grace to learn while teaching them a lesson on accountability. We need to teach our students to make good choices and not be followers.”

— Eugene Blalock, Superintendent, North College Hill Schools (wlwt.com)

“Whoever fault it was or who idea it was, should be prosecuted.”

— Adrian Martin, Shopper (wlwt.com)

What’s next

The North College Hill police and school district will continue to work together to identify all students involved in the Kroger incident and determine appropriate charges and disciplinary actions.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for schools and law enforcement to find a balance between respecting students' right to protest and maintaining public safety and order. The focus should be on teaching accountability and responsible decision-making, rather than just punishment.