Police in Newark dispersed several large crowds of students who they say engaged in physical altercations around the city on Wednesday afternoon.
Police first responded to the vicinity of 15th Avenue and South 10th Street after they received reports of about 50 juveniles who were engaged in unruly behavior just before 3 p.m.
Units arrived at the scene and observed the large group engaged in confrontation. Officers were able to get the situation under control before further action was needed according to reports.
A short time later, police were dispatched to the East Ward community of Van Buren Street where they observed a group of juveniles behaving unruly. The group was ultimately broken up, and an investigation remains into what caused that incident.
Multiple Newark Police units were called to the city's downtown after a massive brawl that broke out among groups of juveniles near the intersection of Central Avenue and Broad Street had police on the scene just before 3:05 p.m.
Officers arrived at the scene and requested additional police assistance as a large crowd hampered units ability break up participants who were engaged in physical contact. The large group began moving southbound on Broad Street where officers began to disperse that crowd in the vicinity of the Whole Foods Market.
In another incident, police were called to Peshine Avenue School after an escalated verbal dispute erupted and involved parents during the dismissal of school. There were no physical injuries or arrests immediately reported.
All of the incidents remain under investigation.
Juveniles are encouraged to continue to use good judgment by moving away from large crowds that form during altercations so that emergency responders and police could provide assistance to engaged participants. Stay away from gatherings that could unfortunately place you in physical danger, become confused as a participant, or possible arrest by police.
Clear the area by simply walking the other way, immediately.