By: Richard L. Smith
Officials at Highland Regional High School and Gloucester Township Police intervened in a fight involving two students and their parents, highlighting the growing concern over safety in educational institutions.
The altercation occurred on Wednesday, March 20, around 1:29 p.m., when the School Resource Officer (SRO) stationed at Highland High was alerted to a confrontation.
Assisted by additional police personnel and school staff, the officer quickly moved to the front vestibule where the fight was taking place, involving two juvenile and two adult females.
Authorities were able to contain the dispute within the vestibule, preventing further intrusion into the school and safeguarding other students from the altercation.
The investigation revealed that the conflict was instigated by the parents, leading to one of the juveniles assaulting the other, which then escalated as the parents joined the fray.
During the scuffle, one parent, identified as Brianne Mitchell, resorted to using a garden planter pot as a weapon, striking both the intervening officer and the other adult, Krystal Turner.
Turner, in the course of events, inflicted a scratch on the officer, resulting in minor injuries. Despite these disturbances, the SRO and school staff managed to subdue the fight before more officers arrived.
Highland Regional High School's staff and responding Gloucester Township Police officers enacted immediate security measures to stabilize the situation without further issues.
Minor injuries were reported among the adults involved and the officer, who were all treated on-site by emergency medical services.
This incident has prompted a thorough investigation by the Gloucester Township Police Department's Juvenile and Family Services Bureau.
While charges are anticipated for the juveniles involved, whose identities remain confidential, legal actions have already been taken against the adults.
Brianne Mitchell faces several charges, including Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (4th Degree), Aggravated Assault (3rd Degree), and Simple Assault.
Police said Krystal Turner has been charged with Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (3rd Degree) and Disorderly Conduct.
The community and school officials are now grappling with the implications of this incident as they strive to ensure a safe and secure environment for students and staff alike.