Woman Alleges Police Injured Hudson Valley Student
A clash between students from the Hudson Valley and police is going viral and prompting an investigation.
Briana Honora posted a video to Facebook that shows students and officers clashing during a Middletown-Newburgh Free Academy varsity basketball game in Middletown Friday night.
Honora says around 6 p.m. security guards at Middletown High school told students the gym was at full capacity and students hoping to see the game were told to wait in the hallway. About 30 minutes later, security guards and police officers informed students they could no longer wait in the hallway.
"The students were no longer allowed to wait in the hallway but had to wait outside in the 19-degree weather whether they had a ride home or not," Honora said on Facebook.
Things got physical between students and police when students explained the wanted to wait inside because of the weather, Honora claims.
"The security guards and police officers began forcibly pushing the students and injuring a few of them. One young lady was body slammed in the commotion and left with a severely hurt ankle," Honora wrote.
City of Middletown police commented on the video and said the video of police removing "several disorderly subjects" is a small part of the event which lasted for over two hours.
"Our agency is actively reviewing all aspects of the incident to determine if departmental policies and procedures were appropriately followed, and will work with school officials and our community partners to determine how we can prevent similar occurrences at school events in the future. We request the public’s patience and support, and caution those who view the video to not base their conclusions on incomplete information. Our agency remains committed to respectfully serving our community, and ensuring the safety and security of all our residents and visitors," the City of Middletown Police Department said.
City of Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey said the incident between students and police in the hallway was one of two incidents that happened during the game.
"Then there was a separate incident that occurred inside the game after Newburgh Defeated Middletown High School where things got very physical and people were hurt in that exchange as well," Harvey said.
A meeting will be held this week to review all videos of the incidents and discuss how things can be handled better in the future...
"There must be diversity and sensitivity training provided for all personnel working to keep and maintain public safety," Harvey said. "Please be patient while we all investigate this situation without rushing to conclusions before learning all the facts."
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