On February 12, 2020, at about 0930 hours, the Newark Police Department School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Newark High School responded to a fight within the school.  The fight was determined to be three male students attacking another male student, causing injury to the student.  The victim was transported to an area hospital by a parent for treatment of his injuries.  The SRO, with assistance of school employees, was able to separate the involved parties.  The incident remains under investigation by Newark Police.

At about 1120 hours, another fight broke out related to the first fight.  The SRO called for additional assistance as the suspects from the first fight attempted to access the area where this fight was occurring.  More than a half dozen additional Newark Police Officers responded to the school to assist the SRO and school staff in restoring order at the school.

Throughout the day, an additional three fights broke out at the school, requiring intervention by Newark Police.  During the course of one of these fights, a 14 year-old female student was arrested by Newark Police for Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest and Offensive Touching on a staff member of the school.  That student, whose name will not be released due to the student’s age, was released on her own recognizance to a family member for a future appearance in New Castle County Family Court.

A large presence from Newark Police was required for the remainder of the day to insure the safety of the school.

The Newark Police are aware of social media reports of weapon involvement, however there is no evidence at this time of any weapon involvement.

Questions as to discipline of students, if any, and lockdown status of the school, should be directed to the Christina School District.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Cpl. A. Pagnotti at (302) 366-7100 x. 3406 or apagnotti@newark.de.us.  Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where a reward may be available.

On February 9, 2020, at about 1730 hours, Newark Police received a report of a threat on social media related to a hockey game scheduled for that day at the Patriot Ice Center at 101 John F Campbell Drive in Newark.  The threat was related to a hockey game between Hodgson High School and team of combined players from Newark High School and Tatnall School.  The threat involved a picture of a male holding and displaying a handgun in his waistband with words meant to cause alarm to members of the Newark/Tatnall hockey team.  The game was canceled as a result of the threat.

Newark Officers began to investigate the threat and determined that the subject in the photo with the handgun was a member of the Hodgson High School hockey team.  A search warrant was obtained for his Newark residence where numerous firearms were located, along with marijuana.

The 16 year-old male who posted the threat was taken into custody at his residence without incident. He was transported to Newark Police headquarters where he was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Juvenile and Terroristic Threatening. He appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video and was released on $4,000 unsecured bail for a future appearance in New Castle County Family Court.

An additional male from the residence, Richard Griffin Jr, 40, was also taken into custody without incident.  He was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Possession of Marijuana and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  No photo is available.  He appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #2 by video and was released on $7,500 unsecured bail.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact PO J. Almonte at (302) 366-7100 x. 3481 or jalmonte@newark.de.us.  Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page.

On February 9, 2020, at about 2352 hours, Newark Police were dispatched to a report of a motorcycle crash on Paper Mill Road south of Wharton Drive.  Responding officers found that a Harley-Davidson motorcycle was northbound on Paper Mill Road when the operator lost control of the motorcycle, crossed the southbound lane, struck an embankment off the west side of the roadway and then struck a tree.

The motorcycle operator, a 32 year-old Newark man, was ejected from the motorcycle.  The operator suffered serious injuries.  He was treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics and was transported to an area hospital by an ambulance from Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Newark.

The roadway was closed for about 2 hours for investigation and clean-up of the scene.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Cpl. A. Vari at (302) 366-7100 x. 3486 or avari@newark.de.us.  Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page.