One arrest made, another pending after fight at Sussex Central graduation
By GEORGETOWN — An adult has been arrested, and charges are pending against a juvenile in connection with a fight at the end of Sussex Central High School’s graduation Tuesday, Delaware State Police said.
A 29-year-old man was charged Wednesday with offensive touching and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors. He was seen punching people, including a 16-year-old girl, during the altercation outside, said spokesman Senior Cpl. Leonard DeMalto.
He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance.
In addition, charges are pending against the 16-year-old girl, who police said kicked and punched a 48-year-old woman.
The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. and took about 10 minutes to diffuse, Cpl. DeMalto said. He described the fracas as “large.”
There were eight state troopers assigned to the graduation job, and an unknown number of Georgetown and Millsboro units were dispatched to the incident, he said.
The 16-year-old suspect had left the scene, but troopers contacted her after she walked across the softball field and began fighting again, Cpl. DeMalto said. Police separated her and then spoke to her father, but both refused to cooperate with the investigation and left the school, he added.
No victims could be located Tuesday evening.
The investigation continued Wednesday, and the 48-year-old woman was identified. She was contacted and came to Troop 4, Georgetown, with her juvenile daughter, who police said had also been injured. The woman had a scratch on her nose, and the juvenile had a black eye and a swollen nose, authorities said.
The 16-year-old girl was subsequently identified, and there is an active warrant for her arrest on the charges of third-degree assault (two counts) and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.
Neither juvenile is a student at Sussex Central, Cpl. DeMalto said.
The Indian River School District issued the following statement:
“The Indian River School District is fully cooperating with the Delaware State Police investigation of an altercation that occurred at Sussex Central High School following the graduation ceremony on May 30. This incident does not reflect the values we attempt to instill in our students and we are disappointed that certain guests chose to tarnish what was a night of celebration for members of the Class of 2023 and their families. We sincerely appreciate the assistance of the Delaware State Police in restoring order at the event and assuring the safety of those in attendance. This is an ongoing police investigation and the district will have no further comment at this time.
Police asked anyone with information or anyone injured during the incident to contact Lt. M. DiSilvestro at 302-752-3818, send a message via the state police Facebook page or call Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333.
