North College Hill police respond to series of fights involving juveniles and adults

NORTH COLLEGE HILL, Ohio — The North College Hill Police Department announced Thursday that it is responding to a series of incidents that have put public safety at risk.

Police said juveniles—and at times adults—have been involved in both “organized and spontaneous” physical fights throughout the community.

According to officials, these fights have become more frequent and more severe, now posing a “significant threat” to public safety.

Authorities also noted that adults were present during several of these incidents and, in some cases, took part, encouraged the behavior, or failed to intervene.

The department stated it will pursue “strict enforcement and criminal charges” against those involved and added that the following laws are among those that may apply:

Ohio Revised Code 2917.11: Disorderly conduct
Ohio Revised Code 2903.13: Assault
Ohio Revised Code 2917.31: Inducing panic
Ohio Revised Code 2917.13: Misconduct at emergency
Ohio Revised Code 2919.24: Contributing to unruliness or delinquency of a child

In February, authorities charged more than 50 students from North College Hill City Schools with disorderly conduct after a student-led walkout turned into “riotous behavior,” according to Superintendent Eugene Blalock Jr.

The superintendent had already addressed similar concerns months earlier. In August, he said he felt “frustrated and powerless” after witnessing parents encourage a group of students to fight each other.

Police said anyone who records, promotes, or incites the fights—“particularly via social media”—could also face charges.

The department stated that juveniles will be referred to juvenile court, while adults will face criminal charges when appropriate.

“The expectation is clear,” the release said. “Adults have a responsibility to prevent violence, not enable it.”

The release added that watching juveniles engage in violence or taking part in it will lead to “legal consequences.”

The North College Hill Police Department has increased patrols in the area and said it will continue “targeted enforcement efforts” in locations where fights have occurred.

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact the North College Hill Police Department.