EHS struggling to control violence

Everett High School. (Photo by Jim Mahoney)

Blaming officials will not solve problem

By JOSH RESNEK

Since Everett High School reopened for in-class live instruction we have been receiving disturbing reports, and sometimes graphic videos, of violent hand-to-hand combat on the stairs in front of EHS and inside the school.

We have also received a number of e-mails from concerned parents who express worry about the safety of their children and teachers who are finding it difficult to coexist in the school with the outbreaks of violence.

At first, the reflexive action is to blame someone, anyone in a position of responsibility for the violence at EHS.

Let’s blame the principal.

Let’s blame the police officer stationed there.

Let’s blame the teachers.

Let’s blame the superintendent of schools and the school committee.

This doesn’t work because all of them together aren’t responsible for what’s
going on in high schools these days with students who go out of control, who attack one another, who fight in the corridors or punch students, and occasionally, teachers.

Continue reading “EHS struggling to control violence”

— Eye on Everett —

It is Not as Bad as it Sounds

Screen Shot 2018-08-08 at 5.00.04 PM
By Josh Resnek

I received a State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit report for August 12. It goes something like this:

The Massachusetts State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit at Encore- Boston Harbor, which includes Troopers and Everett Police Officers, as well as MSP and Everett patrols responding as backup and casino security, responded to several fights and disturbances early this morning after a large crowd exited a nightclub at closing time. Troopers and officers arrested two people, took a third into protective custody, and will summons a fourth person.

Several minutes after 2 a.m., Troopers and Officers assigned to the joint Gaming Enforcement Unit were assisting with crowd control as a large group of patrons exited a nightclub, Memoire, at closing. As a disturbance involving a large number of patrons erupted, GEU Troopers and Officers requested backup units; State Police-Medford and State Police-Revere patrols responded, as did Everett Police patrols and a State Police K9 unit. One person, SHANI MOHAMED ABO, 29, of Everett, was arrested and charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest after he became uncooperative and combative with a club security officer and responding police officers.

Obviously, this can happen wherever there is alcohol and entertainment. Only the worst losers cause fights and disturbances. There is really no way to stop such events when they spin out of control.

The report goes on:

Continue reading “— Eye on Everett —”

Raid at motorcycle club Leads to 3 arrested

By Josh Resnek

A raid at what has been described as a motorcycle gang clubhouse on Orient Avenue in Everett Friday night has led to three arrests, and to the confiscation of four illegal firearms and ammunition, according to the Everett Police and the Middlesex District Attorney’s office.

Police said at least a dozen members of the Pagan Motorcyle Club were present at the location having a few drinks wearing their patches and insignias – known as colors.

When all was said and done, four semi-automatic handguns with loaded magazines and additional ammunition elsewhere were taken from gang members at the scene.

Police reported no violence at the club during the raid.

Continue reading “Raid at motorcycle club Leads to 3 arrested”