Two students from South Middle School in the City of Newburgh were reported to have been assaulted off school grounds on Friday, May 10. The investigation is ongoing.

Roderick Phoenix, Principal of South Middle School wrote in a letter to district parents that details are still being investigated but the district has learned that a group of adults assaulted a single middle school student once the student left school grounds. A female student tried to intercede and was assaulted as well.

The letter continued that the Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy, security personnel, school administrators, and the City of Newburgh Police Department responded to the scene. Both students were assessed by the school nurse with one transported to the hospital. The first student assaulted was not identified by gender in the written letter.

The district is working with the City of Newburgh Police Department to support their investigation. Anyone with information or videos of the incident should contact the City of Newburgh Police Department. Residents can contact the front desk at 845-569-7405 or emergency at 845-561-3131.
“This behavior is not welcomed and will not be tolerated. We are thankful for the quick response of our partners in local law enforcement and our school personnel,” stated Phoenix. “We rely on our parents/guardians and families to act as role models for our children. We expect our parents/guardians, families, and community members to partner with our school to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all of our scholars.”

City of Newburgh Chief of Staff Mike Neppl confirmed that one individual, 20 year-old Christopher A. Melendez, was arrested and charged in the incident. He was charged with one count of assault 3rd and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.