Photo credit: facebook/WGAL News Channel 8 Susquehan
A fight near York College of Pennsylvania has led to criminal charges against three juveniles and a new 30-day safety plan for the surrounding York neighborhood.
The confrontation happened early Sept. 12 on the 300 block of West Jackson Street, where a large crowd had gathered. Video from the scene spread widely online and showed students being attacked outside an off-campus home. York College said the people involved in the incident were not affiliated with the college.
York College fight leads to three juvenile charges
York County District Attorney Tim Barker said three girls under 18 face charges connected to the incident. The reported charges include felony riot, simple assault, trespassing and harassment.
Because the defendants are juveniles, authorities have not released their names.
Police said officers were dispatched at about 1:49 a.m. after receiving reports of a large fight. Officers reached the area at approximately 1:52 a.m., when the crowd began to disperse. Detectives then continued gathering evidence and interviewing people connected to the incident.
The timing became a major issue after students said they had made multiple calls for help while the crowd was gathering.
York police said officers were already dealing with another critical incident involving a barricaded person. The department requested assistance from surrounding agencies while sending officers to West Jackson Street.
What happened on West Jackson Street
Students living near the scene told local news outlets that a large crowd had gathered around an apparent street-racing event.
According to accounts reported by local media, the situation escalated after a vehicle struck a parked car near the students‘ home. A confrontation followed when students asked people to leave the property.
Video recorded during the incident showed several people attacking students. Local reports said the victims suffered injuries, while officials said those injured were expected to recover.
York College has emphasized that the people involved in the confrontation were not college-affiliated. Students and residents have also raised broader concerns about late-night gatherings and recurring disturbances around the off-campus neighborhood.
York launches a 30-day safety plan
Mayor Sandie Walker announced the city’s 30-day West Jackson Street Public Safety Action Plan on Sept. 18.
The response includes additional vehicle and foot patrols, closer coordination between York police and York College Campus Safety, and increased enforcement around unlawful gatherings and other violations. Officials said the plan is designed to address immediate concerns while improving coordination among agencies.
The city also plans to work with York College and community organizations as officials address concerns in the neighborhood.
For now, the criminal investigation remains active. York police said detectives are reviewing evidence and conducting additional interviews as they continue the case.
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