The Norman Police Department has concluded its investigation into an incident that occurred on a Norman North bus as the junior varsity wrestling team returned from a meet on Jan. 9.

Norman North students Tanner Shane Shipman, 18, Chase Denton Smith, 16, and Sage Griffen Gandenberger, 17, all of Norman, have all been charged with three felony counts of rape by instrumentation. Hunter Oren Matthews, 17, of Norman, was charged with one felony count of rape by instrumentation.

All of the following information is alleged in the police affidavit: three of the students held down and sexually assaulted a 16-year-old student on the bus on the trip back to Norman. Later in the night, a 12-year-old student was assaulted both on the bus and behind a school building on the Norman North campus. When the 12-year-old escaped, he was tackled between two cars and the students attempted to assault the individual again. The assault ended when the student's parent arrived in the parking lot.

“Student safety is a top priority and we followed procedures we have in place that allow us to effectively investigate and take swift action in these situations," Norman Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph Siano said in a statement. "We appreciate the individuals who came forward to provide information, the Norman Police Department’s thorough investigation and the quick action by the District Attorney on this incident. We are well-prepared to handle situations like this and have programs in place to support students who experience trauma.

"And, while we believe the district’s policies regarding student supervision are strong, we continuously evaluate our procedures to ensure they are followed. As we address the inappropriate behavior displayed by several students, we remain committed to supporting the vast majority of our student athletes, who are quality individuals that demonstrate positive behavior and strong character traits.”