South River police respond after 50 students trash high school in senior prank
In addition, local law enforcement officials will be working with the students' families to ensure there are appropriate consequences and accountability for the criminal trespassing and vandalism incident.
NJ.com reported students who participated are required to pay a $150 fine and participate in five hours of community service as part of a graduation participation contract sent to their parents.
On June 12 police were notified about unauthorized entry and possible property damage at South River High School. An investigation determined that a large group of students entered the Montgomery Street building after school hours and purposely defaced school property.
The senior prank, which was captured on school security cameras, resulted in high school classes being canceled for the day. Mayor Peter Guindi said the entire school was vandalized with desks, chairs and gym equipment moved and flipped, toilet paper thrown around, and items wrapped in plastic. Guindi said the prank went too far. About 50 students allegedly participated in the prank.
'Criminal trespassing and vandalism are serious offenses that threaten the safety and integrity of not only our schools, but our community as well.' Police Chief Mark E. Tinitigan stated. 'We take these incidents very seriously and will continue to work closely with schools to promote a safe environment for students, staff, and residents.'
The South River Police Department emphasized the importance of respecting property and understanding the legal consequences associated with such actions and encourages parents, students, and community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
South River police plan to work with the school administration and Board of Education to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact South River Detective Sergeant Kenneth Nale at 732-238-1000 ext. 123.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: South River NJ police respond after 50 students trash high school
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
All 800 National Guard troops officially deployed in DC amid Trump's federal takeover
The Pentagon announced on Thursday that all 800 National Guard personnel sent to aid Washington D.C., law enforcement in US President Donald Trump's federal takeover have been deployed, officially starting Trump's second stationing of troops against a state governor's wishes. All 800 National Guard troops who were ordered to the US capital Washington to aid law enforcement personnel by President Donald Trump have now been mobilized, the Pentagon said Thursday. Trump ordered the deployment -- which follows a similar move during protests in Los Angeles in June -- as part of what he billed as a crackdown on crime in Washington, where violent offenses are in fact down. "As of today, all 800 Army and Air National Guardsmen are mobilized... as part of Joint Task Force DC, and they are now here in our capital," Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson told journalists. They "will assist the DC Metropolitan Police Department and federal law enforcement partners with monument security, community safety patrols, protecting federal facilities and officers" and traffic control posts, Wilson said. Read moreTrump's federal takeover begins as National Guard arrives in Washington The troops "will remain until law and order has been restored in the District, as determined by the president," she added. The US Army later said the National Guard's initial mission "is to provide a visible presence in key public areas, serving as a visible crime deterrent." "They will not arrest, search, or direct law enforcement," but they "have the authority to temporarily detain individuals to prevent imminent harm," the Army said in a statement. The troops will be equipped with protective gear, it added, saying that weapons would be available if needed but would remain in the armory. Trump announced the National Guard deployment -- along with a federal takeover of the city's police department -- on Monday, vowing "to take our capital back." The overwhelmingly Democratic US capital faces allegations from Republican politicians that it is overrun by crime, plagued by homelessness and financially mismanaged. However, data from Washington police shows significant drops in violent crime between 2023 and 2024, although that was coming off the back of a post-pandemic surge. The deployment of troops in Washington comes after Trump dispatched the National Guard and Marines to quell unrest in Los Angeles, California, that was spurred by immigration enforcement raids. It was the first time since 1965 that a US president deployed the National Guard against the wishes of a state governor. Most National Guard forces answer to state governors and have to be "federalized" to be brought under presidential control, but in Washington these troops already report only to the US president. (FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Top news headlines for Thursday night, August 14
It's Thursday night. One more day until the weekend. It was a hot and humid day with high temperatures near 90 degrees and heat index values in the mid to upper-90s. Here are your top evening news headlines: State's Attorney: Man who stabbed teen during group attack in Elkton acted in 'perfect self-defense' Horse saved after falling in deep pit Bark Social in Canton reopens under new ownership after bankruptcy closure, welcomes back dogs and owners
CBS News
28 minutes ago
- CBS News
Sacramento sheriff claims Kaiser Permanente interfered in shooting investigation that left teen wounded
Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper called out Kaiser Permanente after he said the hospital impeded their investigation after a 14-year-old boy was shot in the face on 42nd Street. Cooper posted on X his frustrations and said Kaiser blocked them from getting the video of the car that dropped a 14-year-old boy off at the hospital. "Who took him there? What kind of car were they in? Why didn't they stick around?" asked Sergeant Amar Gandhi, a spokesperson with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office. Gandhi said that Kaiser asked them for a warrant, which was never needed in the past. Gandhi confirmed that deputies did view the video the night of the shooting, but they were not allowed to record it, take it or book it. He said it was virtually useless to them. Criminal defense attorney Mike Wise, who is not affiliated with this case, said Kaiser cooperated and did not interfere with the investigation. "We were surprised to see the social media post this morning from Sacramento Sheriff Jim Cooper," Kaiser said in a statement. "We have had a long, positive relationship with the sheriff and his office and have nothing but respect for the work they do." In Cooper's post, the sheriff also criticized Kaiser's new policy: a law enforcement visitation form that requires law enforcement to justify speaking with someone. "I have never seen that before in 30 years of criminal law as both a prosecutor and defense attorney," said Wise. Wise believes Kaiser's directors are trying to protect themselves from negligent release of information. The sheriff's office believes Kaiser is trying to protect patients from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but local law enforcement does not deal with immigration enforcement. "We are committed to complying with the law, cooperating with law enforcement, maintaining safe places for care, and protecting patient privacy," Kaiser's statement went on to say. Gandhi said they are concerned the forms could tip off abusers that police are after them. "I am telling you right now, if you are a bad guy and you've abused a kid, we are going to come get you," said Gandhi. "We are not going to let a form stand in our way." In California, it is mandatory for medical staff to report and cooperate with law enforcement when dealing with victims of sexual assault and minors who are victims of abuse -- even if the victim does not want to talk or the suspect is there. CBS Sacramento asked Kaiser why it created the law enforcement visitation form. It did not have an answer, but Jan Emerson-Shea, a spokesperson with the California Hospital Association, provided a statement. "California hospitals are required under both state and federal laws to protect the privacy of patients," Shea said. "California state law mandates a greater level of patient privacy protections than HIPAA. Under the California Penal Code (Sections 1543-1545), hospitals are prohibited from giving patient information to law enforcement agencies without a court order, search warrant, or the patient's written permission." Gandhi said the sheriff's office met with Kaiser on Thursday afternoon and had a meaningful conversation. The sheriff's office is looking forward to working together to find a solution.
