MANALAPAN – Eight male teenagers who were involved in a bias incident at the Clark Mills School have been identified by the Manalapan Police Department and dealt with according to state guidelines.
On June 8, Manalapan Police Capt. Thomas Barstow said the case involving seven 16-year-old boys and one 15-year-old boy was handled in accordance with guidelines established by the New Jersey Attorney General on the handling of juvenile matters.
At 6:41 p.m. April 13, Patrolman Anthony Cascella responded to the Clark Mills School, Gordons Corner Road, to investigate bias related criminal mischief that was reported by a woman who was at the school with her children and noticed the writing and pictures.
Police said Cascella found anti-Semitic comments written in chalk on the school playground and observed a picture of a swastika about 30 feet from the playground on a paved driveway leading to the school.
An investigation into the incident was opened by police.
Joseph Pangaro, the director of school security for the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District, said the building was closed for spring break when the incident occurred.
Mayor Susan Cohen said she had been informed that the people involved in the incident had been identified and dealt with.
“I hope we no longer have any incidences like this in the future targeting any group of people,” Cohen said.