Malcolm X Shabazz High School Coach Assaulted by School Basketball Players, Police Say – TAPinto.net

NEWARK, NJ — Newark Police are investigating the aggravated assault of a school employee and coach that occurred Tuesday outside Malcolm X. Shabazz High School allegedly by members of the school’s basketball team, according to Newark authorities.

“I spoke to the superintendent, principal, coaches and team,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said. “The actions of these students will not be tolerated and they don’t represent the majority of the school. The school and team have many great kids, who go on to college and do great things, and we’re proud of them.”

“We support the superintendent and principal and will do whatever we can to make the rest of the year successful,” Baraka said.

According to city officials, at approximately 9 p.m., police responded to Malcolm X Shabazz High School, located at 80 Johnson Ave., on a call of an assault. A school official provided police a social media post of a school employee being assaulted by members of the school’s basketball team.

City officials said the officers observed four team members assaulting the victim after they exited a bus upon returning from a basketball game in Livingston. The victim declined medical attention.

“Our detectives are investigating this incident to identify and to appropriately charge those individuals involved,” Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said.  “Because high school students are typically juveniles, the names of the suspects will not be released. But those found to have participated in this senseless act of violence will face criminal charges.”