Police arrested a Wheatley Heights man accused of storming the court and punching a teenage player during a wild late-game brawl at Half Hollow Hills West, cops said on Sunday.
Police said Jeffery Vernot punched a 15-year-old boy on the court Thursday night during a boys varsity basketball game in Dix Hills between Comsewogue and host Half Hollow Hills West.
Authorities did not officially say whether the victim was a player on Comsewogue, but officials from the district have said in a statement that a Half Hollow Hills West parent assaulted a Comsewogue player during the melee that happened about 7:30 p.m. — with 44 seconds remaining in the game.
In a video recording of the brawl viewed by Greater Long Island, a Comsewogue player is seen getting struck hard from behind by a grown man; the child was later seen stumbling around and crying out while holding his head.
The alleged assault occurred within seconds of a fight that started between two players on opposing teams during what was likely going to be Half Hollow Hills West’s last possession of the game.
That skirmish quickly grew out of control as another Comsewogue player joined the fight, along with officials, other players, security personnel and spectators.
Vernot, 36, was charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child, police said. He was issued a desk appearance ticket and will be arraigned at a later date.
Comsewogue additionally stated it is conducting an internal review to determine which players were responsible for both the initial altercation and its escalation. Greater Long Island has been unable to reach officials from the Half Hollow Hills School District for comment.
The game was halted at the time of the brawl, with Half Hollow Hills West leading 63–52.
Suffolk Police said the investigation is ongoing.
Top photo: Facebook/Half Hollow Hills School District
