Queens, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced charges against two students from Martin Van Buren High School following a severe altercation that occurred within the school premises. The incident, described as a vicious attack, has led to charges of attempted gang assault among other offense.
The individuals involved, both 17 years oldf from Queens Village and Rosedale respectively, are facing serious charges including attempted gang assault in the first degree, attempted assault in the first degree, and assault in the second degree, with additional charges of criminal possession of a weapon being levied against one of the teens. The altercation, captured on video, shows a brutal sequence of events where one defendant assaulted another student, leading to a group attack that left the victim with significant injuries.
The fight, which took place inside the school located on Hillside Avenue in Queens Village, escalated quickly as both defendants, along with four other participants who remain at large, engaged in kicking, stomping, and punching the victim. The extent of the victim’s injuries is still being assessed, although immediate effects included bruising to the face and eye. Notably, during a search in the principal’s office following the assault, a loaded 9mm semi-automatic Smith & Wesson pistol was recovered from one of the defendants.
Both defendants also sustained stab wounds in the course of the brawl. They now face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the charges against them. This incident raises significant concerns about violence in schools and the impact on community safety and the educational environment.
