Baristanet asked Montclair Chief of Police, David Sabagh, how the fights developed at the high school this week. We asked him if there was some connection between the two incidents. Chief Sabagh says the two incidents, which resulted in 15 arrests - and more are expected, do not appear related.
The fight on Wednesday, 11/18, began when young adults from Newark, East Orange and Roselle came to MHS to hand out flyers for a party. These individuals seem to have ties to a certain group of MHS students. A verbal argument, then a physical confrontation, occurred which grew larger as others joined in. Large groups started to form and refused to disperse. A second disturbance involving two juvenile females occurred as well. 6 arrests were made.The fight on Thursday, 11/19, began when two MHS students began to fight in front of the high school. Again, a large crowd gathered adding to the disturbance. Three officers were injured as a result of the disturbance. Police agencies from several surrounding towns responded to assist in quelling the violence. 9 arrests were made.
A total of 15 arrests have been made so far (7 adults and 8 juveniles). Charges include riot; failure to disperse, possession of CDS, criminal trespass, hindering apprehension and aggravated assault on police. Additional arrests are imminent.I have had conversations with Mr. Earle, MHS Principal, about the two consecutive days of violence and asked him and his staff to be vigilant to any signs of trouble. I will have a significant police presence at the school today to dissuade anyone who might consider repeating the behavior of the past two days.
Chief Sabagh
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Comments (15)
Two, or maybe 3 (depending on how you count them) fights in two days that 'aren't related' - really?
I actually find it more troubling that they aren't related since this speaks to the environment around the school rather than a single ongoing isolated dispute.
Maybe we need some of that stimulus money to run a course on non-violent negotiation of disputes.
Why does he think they were not related?
" These individuals seem to have ties to a certain group of MHS students."
Gangs I'm guessing.
You People have to many questions. You have to accept Chief of Police, David Sabagh comments. The Montclair Police Dept were there and did their job. If you're not happy with how the school and the police handled the situation and continue to do so, Then get off your butts and get involved, Otherwise stop complaining.
Too much CSI
Quake - I live, shop and pay taxes in this community and that gives me the right to know what's going on here beyond the politically correct, bullsh*t comments coming out in these reports. I don't need to 'be involved' to be involved. This stuff affects all of us.
and btw, why are there groups of high school age kids wandering the street - North Fullerton area - at 1:30 on a school day? Why aren't they in school?
Blu- I agree with you on why are there groups of high school age kids wandering the street - North Fullerton area - at 1:30 on a school day? Why aren't they in school?
Montclair High School's Resource Officers, Security, Administration, Faculty and Staff should have the responsibility of monitoring the Perimitters of the school and upon seeing any group of Juveniles outside the school at such time should raise a red flag.
I know there are gangs of kids who hang out around there. One of them tried to steal my car from right in front of Ruthies Pizza and BBQ. I scared the krap outta him when I asked him what he was doing to my car?
What is "CDS"?
"What is "CDS"?"
Controlled Dangerous Substance, Drugs.
CDS stands for "creationists detest scientists"
Open campus. Get involved. The campus should be closed.
All fights should bring criminal charges. They should not be handled by the administration without police intervention.
Open campus. Get involved. The campus should be closed.
BS! My high achieving HS student deserves to enjoy the small freedoms of an open campus. The violent schmucks should be locked up and, when lock-up is done, expelled. Open campus is not the problem.
All fights should bring criminal charges. They should not be handled by the administration without police intervention.
You have my full agreement on this point.
Has anyone ever in fact seen one of those now-infamous "flyers" which apparently provoked the first incidents? Or can at least tell the rest of us what it in fact claimed or offered that it led to violence?
This is where a little genuine reportorial ability might have helped. In lieu of simply recapping/regurgitating police blotters, anyway.