Investigation continues as police and district administration deal with the aftermath of a fight involving nearly 100 students broke out Friday afternoon, officials said.
CARNEYS POINT TWP. -- Security was heightened Monday at a South Jersey school where a fight involving nearly 100 students broke out last week, sending several to the hospital, officials said.
Penns Grove High School administration is enforcing tighter procedures for students entering the building, including specific door entry during certain time periods, and stationed teachers who will monitor the doors.
For dismissal, students will also be prohibited from gathering in the hallways, outside of classroom doors or lockers and only be dismissed when their specific hallway is called.
Police are also continuing the investigation and are reviewing surveillance footage of the incident. More charges may be filed, according to Carneys Point Police Chief Gerald Krivda.
The fight, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. at Penns Grove High School, stemmed from an altercation in the cafeteria during lunch earlier that day, according to the police chief.
A screenshot of a photo that circulated on social media shows blood on the floor stemming from a fight that broke out at Penns Grove High School on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 (Submitted Photo | For NJ.com) Then during school dismissal, it escalated, resulting in what police called an "emotionally charged scene."
Police departments from throughout Salem County, in addition to New Jersey State Police and Delaware Bridge authorities, responded to the high school, located off Harding Highway, to assist.
Carneys Point Police were doing a daily check of the school perimeter when they heard a commotion coming from the building. Authorities entered near the school gymnasium and were confronted with the fight in the hallway, police said.
One police officer was taken to the hospital for an injured shoulder, while several other students were treated for minor injuries according to police.
Five students were charged Friday with failure to disperse, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and obstruction.
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After students finally vacated the school property, another fight broke out on a street adjacent to the school, authorities said.
"We as a police department are here to make a conducive learning environment. Any and all parents need to talk to their children. If they want to learn, come to school -- if they want to be disorderly, and cause chaos, keep them home -- they will be arrested. We have a zero tolerance at this point," Chief Krivda said Monday morning.
The police department is currently collaborating with the school district as they continue investigating and review video surveillance of the fight and work to ensure the safety of students and staff.
"The school is agreeing with us that if there are any problems, they will be brought down swiftly. Anyone will be taken out of they are being disorderly and charged appropriately. Any trespassers will be arrested and we are monitoring the school for the next week to make sure this is adhered to," the police chief added.
Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Zenaida Cobian sent out a message to parents regarding the incident.
A screenshot of a photo that was posted on social media shows people standing in the hallway after the fight that occurred Friday, Nov. 4, 2015 (Submitted Photo | For NJ.com) "During that incident, we took all measures necessary to protect the safety and security of all our students, staff, and administration," Cobian said.
"I want to commend and thank the high school staff, administration, as well as law enforcement officials that provided assistance," the superintendent added.
Going forward, according to Cobian, students are being assured that those who instigated or participated in the incident will be addressed.
"The safety and security of all our staff and students is our foremost concern, and everything necessary will be done to maintain a safe and secure learning environment," Cobian said.
Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
