Gang activity is the likely culprit in the attack of a 13-year-old Ellis Middle School student, who was allegedly “jumped” in the bathroom of the school Tuesday morning, according to Austin Police Chief Paul Philipp.

Philipp said school administrators notified the school liaison officer about the student, who likely suffered a broken nose. During an interview, the student said he was beaten because he’d been kicked out of a local Latino gang called “Sur 13” for speaking to someone “off-limits,” the chief stated. The incident was reported to police around 10:30 a.m.

After identifying the alleged culprits, five students were transported to a juvenile facility in Red Wing. All were 14, Philipp said.

Philipp said it wasn’t clear when the attack took place or how the student, who was later taken to Austin Medical Center, was found.

Philipp said it’s his understanding that the Mower County Attorney’s Office will press gang-related charges.