INDIANAPOLIS -- Extra security was on hand at Indianapolis' Ben Davis High School on Friday after a string of fights prompted rumors of a shootout.

Parents have voiced concerned that several fights this week, including two on Thursday, may have been racially motivated or related to gang activity at the school, 6News' Rafael Sanchez reported.

The first fight on Thursday involved a black student and a Latino student. One 16-year-old student was arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct in that incident, but details weren't released.

There was another fight later in the day in the school parking lot. As a result of that fight, 12 students were suspended. Both incidents involved only male students.

Many parents picked up their children from school amid tensions.

"I send him to school to learn. That's a safe haven for him. I shouldn't have to worry," said one mother.

A student who was picked up from school this morning said the violence was unavoidable.

"We were walking down to our classes. A group of Hispanics, then a group of African-American men and women came rushing towards us, instigated us to fight," he said.

Five extra security personnel, in addition to four who normally work at the school, have been brought in to quell issues.

Mary McDermott, director of communications for Wayne Township Schools, said there is no evidence that race or gangs played a role in the conflicts.

"We want to make sure people feel secure and students are safe," she said.

McDermott said the district will keep the extra security personnel at the school as long as necessary.

She said the suspended students could face expulsion.