Multiple people arrested in Paterson high school brawl that involved guns, prosecutor says
By Jonathan Greene
Published: December 18, 2022
The police arrested multiple people in connection with a fight and gun-involved incident at John F. Kennedy High School, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Police charged a 17-year-old, 14-year-old, and 15-year-old, and an 18-year-old for their role in the Friday incident.
At 10:55 a.m., police officers stationed at the school responded to a fight involving multiple students. They broke up the fight.
A 17-year-old involved in the fight was found in possession of a loaded handgun. This student was arrested and charged with gun offenses.
18-year-old Desmar Ferguson | Police
A 14-year-old also involved in the fight was overheard by officers threatening to commit a school shooting. This student was charged with making terroristic threats and released.
Shortly after the incident, police found a 15-year-old hitting the front door of the school aggressively demanding to enter. This juvenile was blocked because the doors were secured and the school was put under lock-down due to the brawl.
The 15-year-old was with 18-year-old Desmar Ferguson. Both were arrested outside of John F. Kennedy High School. Both were found in possession of loaded handguns, police said.
Ferguson could face 10 years in prison if convicted. He is in custody and authorities will seek to keep him in jail pending resolution of the case.
The juveniles will have to resolve their cases in family court.