VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Two teens have been charged in connection to a fight that broke out at a boys basketball game between Kempsville High and Salem High, leaving a 17-year-old seriously hurt, Virginia Beach police confirmed to WTKR News 3.
Police say the two 16-year-old boys are both charged with unlawful wounding. They did not state if the teens facing charges are students.
Last week in a statement, VBCPS said they will use the full extent of the code of conduct to discipline the students involved.
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The fight happened at Kempsville High around 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17. When officers arrived at the school, police learned a 17-year-old boy was hurt during the fight. He was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but police say he's since been released and is recovering at home.
The Kempsville High boys basketball team forfeited two games — the one against Salem High in which the fight ensued and their game against Princess Anne the following night — as a result of the fight. School officials announced the decision Tuesday, before the team's game against Princess Anne.
In a message sent to players' families following the incident, Kempsville High School Principal Melissa George said there's an ongoing investigation looking into the involvement of those on the team.
The full message addressing the incident, shared with WTKR News 3, is as follows:
"Due to the incidents from last night’s boys basketball game against Salem High School and the ongoing investigation into the involvement of Kempsville boys basketball players, last night’s game and tonight’s boys basketball game against Princess Anne will be forfeited. I met with the team along with Coach Freeman and our SAC, Zach Wolff, this morning to let them know the decision about the last two games. The Kempsville High School boys basketball team will play in post-season play if they are seeded to play. Coach Freeman will communicate to the players their practice schedule moving into post-season play."
"I mean, it's a lot to look at," School Board Member Matt Cummings said.
Cummings represents the area where Salem High School is located and said Tuesday was the first time he saw video of what happened.
"As a parent, that's difficult to see," Cummings said. "My kids go to Salem Middle, you know, I see us at Salem High and you definitely want to make sure things are looked at and investigated properly. And also, there's accountability."
WTKR News 3 reached out to school board member Mark Bohensteil who represents the Kempsville area. He said he could not discuss the situation at this time.
"I believe every single student has a right to a safe learning environment, to include after-school activities," said School Board Chair Kathleen Brown. "I do not condone this type of behavior and expect the administration to address all involved based on the Code of Student Conduct and participant rules of the VHSL."
WTKR News 3 also reached out to speak with Superintendent Dr. Don Robertson but was told he was unavailable.
Both teens charged in the incident will appear back in court in March.
