Amherst, Ohio – A calm Thursday morning at Amherst Junior High turned chaotic when a deer burst through a cafeteria window at full speed, startling students and staff who were preparing for breakfast. The incident, first detailed by People, unfolded around 7:20 a.m. on Nov. 13 and was quickly contained by school staff and local police.
Deer Enters the Building at Full Speed
According to the Amherst Exempted Village Schools district, surveillance footage captured three deer running near the school moments before one animal slammed into the large cafeteria window. The impact sent glass flying as the deer landed on a table where a person had been seated just seconds earlier.
Video from another angle shows the deer scrambling across the cafeteria floor, struggling to gain its footing as it slipped repeatedly on the polished surface. Startled students and staff immediately moved away from the animal as it tried to navigate the room.
Staff and Police Quickly Respond
With only a small number of students in the cafeteria at the time, school staff acted swiftly to control the situation. They, along with the Amherst Police Department, were able to isolate the deer inside the cafeteria and then guide it toward the stage area overlooking the room.
“We were able to quickly barricade and contain the deer in the cafeteria and, ultimately, on the stage,” the district wrote. “With the help of several staff members and APD, we were able to get the deer funneled out the back door without any additional damage or minor injury.”
The deer eventually dashed out a back exit and safely returned outside.
No Significant Injuries Reported
Despite the dramatic entry, no major injuries occurred. The cafeteria was only lightly occupied as breakfast preparations were underway, and the school nurse was present to assist anyone who needed care. Officials say the situation could have been much worse given the force of the impact and the proximity of a student seated near the window.
Because breakfast service was interrupted, the school offered students the chance to pick up their morning meal during first period.
Community Reacts and School Praises Student Behavior
The district acknowledged the unusual nature of the event, calling it an “unexpected start to the day,” but praised everyone involved for remaining calm and following safety procedures.
Amherst Junior High Principal Andrew Hoffman expressed pride in how students conducted themselves.
“Our students handled themselves extremely well,” Hoffman said. “I am proud of their maturity and care for one another.”
The district invited anyone with questions or concerns to contact the school administration for more details.
