An juvenile suspect who reportedly attempted to enter the graduation for Oceanside High School in Rockland while intoxicated has been charged with disorderly conduct, motor vehicle burglary, theft and criminal mischief.
According to Rockland Police, at around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, officers working a security detail for the high school graduation made contact with an intoxicated juvenile subject.
Police say the juvenile is well known to law enforcement and was trespassing at the graduation.
According to police, the juvenile refused to leave and “berated officers with racial slurs” and made hand gestures “as if shooting the officers.”
The juvenile was arrested for disorderly conduct and charges related to underage drinking, and was subsequently released to a family member.
Later that evening, Rockland Police encountered the same individual out after curfew.
Police say the juvenile attempted to flee and hide from officers but was eventually apprehended.
During their investigation, officers found that the juvenile had allegedly stolen and destroyed items from at least one vehicle.
The juvenile was then further charged with motor vehicle burglary, theft and criminal mischief, and was again released to family.
Police say a second juvenile suspect was arrested for their alleged role in the motor vehicle burglary.
“Unfortunately we still have, though a very small number, several juveniles who; despite our diversion and mentorship attempts, continue to cause problems and violate laws. We hear from residents their frustrations, we also share that frustration,” Rockland Police said in a Wednesday post to social media.
“We will continue to do our best for the citizens of Rockland to not only continue to innovate how law enforcement approaches the issue of juvenile crime but also advocate for changes in state law/statute that limit outcomes or options we as law enforcement have to deal with it,” they said.
