Report by Paula Antolini
May 4, 2018 8:06PM EDT
(UPDATED) Bethel High School Students Involved in ‘Physical Altercation’ Off Campus, Bethel Police ‘Partner’ with BHS Regarding Incident
Bethel High School (BHS) students were involved in a “physical altercation” off campus on May 3, 2018 that required police involvement. “We will continue to partner with the Bethel Police Department on this matter,” BHS school officials stated in a letter to parents/guardians on May 4, 2018.
BHS school officials indicated that they “followed district protocols and disciplinary procedures” upon receiving this information. They stated in a letter, “As you know, we take student safety very seriously.”
No further information at this time but we will keep you updated.
BHS officials sent the following letter to parents and guardians on May 4th:
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Dear Parent/Guardian,
It was brought to our attention by the Bethel Police Department that there was a physical
altercation that occurred off-campus, after school hours, on Thursday, May 3, 2018 that involved some of our students. Upon receiving this information, we immediately followed district protocols and disciplinary procedures. To ensure the safety of all students, we are working closely with the Bethel Police Department and the BHS faculty/staff.
As you know, we take student safety very seriously. We will continue to partner with the Bethel Police Department on this matter. If your child has any information regarding the incident, please let us know immediately. As always, do not hesitate to contact BHS administration if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Troetti, Principal
Gary Lawlor, Associate Principal
Mari Lerz, Assistant Principal
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UPDATED May 5, 2018:
Bethel Police Captain Stephen Pugner made the following statement on social media May 4th, regarding the above incident:
“I do not have all the details to comment officially. I will confirm there was a fight involving juveniles after school yesterday at Overlook Park and some had minor injuries. The police made some arrests and will continue to investigate working with school officials. A press release will be done after the investigation is complete.”
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UPDATED May 7, 2018, 11:04AM:
Message from Bethel Police Department:
Since there is a lot of misinformation and rumors around social media the Bethel Police Department again would like to clarify as much as possible while still conducting an investigation.
First the schools and the streets are as safe as they have ever been, same as last week or last year or ten years ago. Your kids can safely walk downtown.
There was a fight on Thursday afternoon of approximately 15 to 20 kids mostly from BHS. This was a planned fight between two groups of kids; it was not some random act of violence. There were no weapons other than one kid picking up a stick from the ground.
The fight took place at Overlook Park, not a place kids usually hang out so they all planned to go there for a reason.
Three of the juveniles were treated at medical facilities and released the same night for their injuries. None of the injuries were serious, no broken ribs or overnight hospitalization.
As of today four arrests have been made with the anticipation of more arrests. No names can be released because they are all juvenile arrests.
The Bethel Police have, as always. worked with the staff of the schools to stop any further issues stemming from this fight. The Bethel Police will patrol the schools, the parks and the streets as much as possible to assure the safety of all its citizens as we always do. If you see or hear anything suspicious please report it.
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UPDATED May 8, 2018, 7:30AM:
The official Bethel Police report indicates several arrests were made and Bethel Police “anticipate making several more” in the “large fight between two groups of juveniles” that took place in Overlook Park on Nashville Road, on May 3, 2018 at 4:47p.m.. Offenses are Assault, 3rd Degree, and Disorderly Conduct.
“Three juveniles were transported to Danbury Hospital due to their injuries and were released later that night,” the report states.
Names and ages withheld because of juvenile status.
The case remains open and active, police say.
View report below.
Click on image to view larger.
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