Melee breaks out after boys’ basketball game at Valley Central HS

Town of Montgomery police say several frightened spectators called 911 claiming someone had a gun and shots were fired, resulting in a multiagency response.

Blaise Gomez

Feb 1, 2023, 10:32 PM

Updated 472 days ago

Share:

Spectators were screaming and running out of the Valley Central High School auditorium Tuesday night as several fights broke out after a varsity game against Newburgh.   
The incident was captured on cellphone video and shared to SnapChat. 
Town of Montgomery police say several frightened spectators called 911 claiming someone had a gun and shots were fired, resulting in a multiagency response.  
“It just turned into chaos for five to 10 minutes. Athletes got thrown into it, and punches were being thrown,” said Scott Rausenberger. 
Rausenberger, from Newburgh, was one of hundreds of people at the game. 
He says spectators started fighting when the teams lined up to shake hands after Valley Central won, and that players ended up getting involved. too. 
“It became apparent pretty quick that there was a concern.” 
People there say the incident should be a reminder for schools to beef up security. 
“There was no screening. No screening at all,” said Rausenberger.  
Valley Central School District Superintendent Evette Avila sent a statement to News 12 saying a person attending the event did yell "gun," but that person later retracted the statement.
Authorities say they found no evidence of a firearm or shots fired but did take one person into custody. 
A knife was recovered from the scene but was not a part of the altercation.
Avila said, "Any Valley Central students directly involved in the incident will be addressed according to the district's Code of Conduct."
District leaders, along with the director of safety, gathered to discuss the incident, review and enhance safety measures.
Avila thanked officers from all departments involved for their swift response.


More from News 12
0:15
Superintendent: Swastika found on classroom desk at Harborfields High School

Superintendent: Swastika found on classroom desk at Harborfields High School

2:02
Mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions on Long Island

Mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions on Long Island

0:39
Police: Man injured in Wyandanch shooting; suspect at large

Police: Man injured in Wyandanch shooting; suspect at large

1:59
Greenlawn teen arrested, accused of making ‘threat of mass harm’ at Oldfield Middle School

Greenlawn teen arrested, accused of making ‘threat of mass harm’ at Oldfield Middle School

0:51
Vet Fest in Farmingdale aims to support, encourage veterans who need help

Vet Fest in Farmingdale aims to support, encourage veterans who need help

0:17
Authorities: George Washington Bridge climber in custody

Authorities: George Washington Bridge climber in custody

0:32
Police: 3 people arrested during State Liquor Authority compliance check at Huntington Station deli

Police: 3 people arrested during State Liquor Authority compliance check at Huntington Station deli

2:28
How did a Nassau County doctor overprescribe highly addictive pain pills, despite strict laws in place?

How did a Nassau County doctor overprescribe highly addictive pain pills, despite strict laws in place?

1:43
CDC urges people to get vaccinated amid resurgence of mpox

CDC urges people to get vaccinated amid resurgence of mpox

1:46
Hit-and-run on South Oyster Bay Rd. in Plainview leaves woman with concussion, 6 staples in head

Hit-and-run on South Oyster Bay Rd. in Plainview leaves woman with concussion, 6 staples in head

0:26
Principal: Student approached by van full of men in ski masks in Selden

Principal: Student approached by van full of men in ski masks in Selden

1:39
Montauk Music Festival rocks the East End

Montauk Music Festival rocks the East End

2:06
Homeowners asked to check home security video after string of Nassau County break-ins

Homeowners asked to check home security video after string of Nassau County break-ins

0:24
Police: Hempstead man exposed, touched himself inappropriately at Roosevelt Field Mall

Police: Hempstead man exposed, touched himself inappropriately at Roosevelt Field Mall

0:51
Plainview-Old Bethpage hosts basketball team from Israel impacted by Oct. 7 attacks

Plainview-Old Bethpage hosts basketball team from Israel impacted by Oct. 7 attacks

1:24
Nassau County high school seniors take part in aerial simulation exercise

Nassau County high school seniors take part in aerial simulation exercise

1:53
Toys for Tots make contribution to Promise of Hope Foundation to honor fallen Detective Jonathan Diller

Toys for Tots make contribution to Promise of Hope Foundation to honor fallen Detective Jonathan Diller

2:29
Museum of American Armor hosting 10th anniversary of World War II Encampment weekend

Museum of American Armor hosting 10th anniversary of World War II Encampment weekend

1:55
12-year-old prodigy set to become Malverne High School’s youngest graduate

12-year-old prodigy set to become Malverne High School’s youngest graduate

1:08
East End: Kick off party to the summer showcasing the beauty of the region

East End: Kick off party to the summer showcasing the beauty of the region