Several arrests will be made after fight at Middletown basketball game

MIDDLETOWN, CT (WFSB) – Police will make several arrests after a brawl at a high school basketball game in Middletown, school officials announced.

Officials said the fight happened at the varsity boys basketball game between Middletown High School and Weaver High School on Tuesday.

Adult spectators and students were involved in the fight, school officials said.

“These arrests came after reviewing camera footage, conducting interviews, consulting with the State’s Attorney, and working in tandem with school district leaders,” Middletown Public Schools said.

The school district said administrators worked with Middletown police to identify those who were involved in the fight.

Officials did not say how many arrests will be made, but added some juveniles will face charges.

This week both New Haven and Middletown schools reported fights.

State police say there was an unfounded threat of retaliation in response to the fight at Middletown High School, so additional security was added to some high school games Friday night.

The executive director of the CIAC, Glenn Lungarini, says kids and adults have been solving conflicts with violence.

“In sport what you have is the perfect storm. Multiple communities come together. This is where the opportunity, and when opportunity meets emotion, I think that is where we see some of these issues happen,” says Lungarini.

High school athletes say social media isn’t helping either.

“If it’s a rival high school, you are seeing them on Tik Tok the whole three days until game time,” says student athlete Amari Cruz.

Athletic officials say they are trying to keep the competition respectful.

“We want the focus to be on the kids. We want them to be able to engage in school sports and education-based activities. Develop meaningful relationships and have positive experiences,” says Lungarini.

Middletown Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vazquez Matos released a statement:

“The safety and security of our students, staff, and families is of the utmost importance. What occurred after Tuesday’s game was highly disappointing. This is behavior that we will never accept from our students nor from adults while on school grounds. The District will continue to work with our community to ensure that all district sponsored events are family-friendly gatherings. I’m grateful for our partnership with the Middletown Police Department which will help us ensure we create environments that are safe and nurturing for all.”

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