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A West Milton man faces charges stemming from running onto a court and assaulting a Jersey Shore basketball coach while high school players, parents and coaches tried to break up a fight that broke out at a game in Jersey Shore.
Bryan C. Hunter, 42, faces charges of assault on a sports official, harassment and disorderly conduct after an
investigation into the brawl Jan. 11, according to an affidavit by Officer Kyle Fera of the Lycoming Regional Police Department, who is the Jersey Shore Area School District school resource officer.
The department has concluded its investigation of the melee that allegedly started with two players fighting near the end of the game between Milton and Jersey Shore basketball teams.
About a minute left in the fourth quarter, there was an altercation before parents, coaches and players spilled onto the floor. Hunter's son was on the team, but was not one of the two players who were fighting.
Once more officers arrived, Fera said he was able to have them assist with escorting the Milton team to the bus. Once they had all left, police escorted Jersey Shore students outside.
Fera said he went back inside to speak to the coach. Thomas advised Fera that somebody from the stands grabbed him by the throat and he wanted to proceed with charges.
Hunter allegedly ran out of the stands onto the court while coaches and players were trying to separate the kids from fighting. Hunter allegedly grabbed a coach who was on the ground, pulling him about three feet then allegedly grabbed his neck while he stood up, according to the police citation that was filed with District Judge Denise Dieter, of Jersey Shore.
Hunter issued a statement to the Milton School District board and administration alleging incidents of discrimination, harassment and racist remarks made to his son in various instances by school staff and the coach. Dr. John Bickhart, superintendent of the Milton School District, said any allegations of racism are false.
Hunter has pleaded not guilty and is contending why he was the only parent charged.
Bickhart and Dr. Brian Ulmer, superintendent of the Jersey Shore School District issued the following statement after the fight:
"The Jersey Shore event staff, the school resource officer, administration and staff from Jersey Shore responded quickly to separate the athletes and fans who involved themselves in the physical altercation. Both the Jersey Shore and Milton School District Administration are steadfast in letting our communities know there is no place for this type of violent behavior -- not from our student-athletes, and not from our coaches, and not from our fans."