The Stockton Unified School District is investigating after video released Thursday shows a Marine tackling high school students who were fighting.The fight between two students happened Wednesday at Edison High School in Stockton. The video shows the two students throwing punches at each other before the Marine, Josue Valdez Sarmiento, sprints toward the pair and knocks the two students to the ground.“Stockton Unified is aware of the student matter that took place on 9/11/19 at Edison High School and the recording circulating on social media. We are actively investigating the situation,“ the Stockton Unified School District said in a statement. Valdez Sarmiento is a former student of the school. He was at the school to assist with recruitment, but he is not a recruiter, according to the U.S. Marines Corps.“He saw a dangerous fight break out. Upon observing that situation, he moved over and broke up the fight," said U.S. Marine Maj. Thomas Driscoll. "Although, the manner in which he did (could) have been improved, we are proud of Pfc. Valdez Sarmiento for his decision to intervene."The condition of the students is still unknown. “It was just too excessive (of) force how he came toward the kids,” said Edison High student Johnny Hempill. “I feel like going at a kid, especially when he’s not looking, makes more of an impact.”The Stockton Police Department said the school is handling the investigation, at this point. As part of the school’s investigation, officials are also looking into the school staff response.

The Stockton Unified School District is investigating after video released Thursday shows a Marine tackling high school students who were fighting.

The fight between two students happened Wednesday at Edison High School in Stockton. The video shows the two students throwing punches at each other before the Marine, Josue Valdez Sarmiento, sprints toward the pair and knocks the two students to the ground.


“Stockton Unified is aware of the student matter that took place on 9/11/19 at Edison High School and the recording circulating on social media. We are actively investigating the situation,“ the Stockton Unified School District said in a statement.

Valdez Sarmiento is a former student of the school. He was at the school to assist with recruitment, but he is not a recruiter, according to the U.S. Marines Corps.

“He saw a dangerous fight break out. Upon observing that situation, he moved over and broke up the fight," said U.S. Marine Maj. Thomas Driscoll. "Although, the manner in which he did (could) have been improved, we are proud of Pfc. Valdez Sarmiento for his decision to intervene."

The condition of the students is still unknown.

“It was just too excessive (of) force how he came toward the kids,” said Edison High student Johnny Hempill. “I feel like going at a kid, especially when he’s not looking, makes more of an impact.”

The Stockton Police Department said the school is handling the investigation, at this point. As part of the school’s investigation, officials are also looking into the school staff response.