‘Heavy police presence’ at Riverhead H.S. one day after large fight

A “heavy police presence” was expected at Riverhead High School Friday morning after “several non-credible threats” to the building, according to a robocall message sent early Friday morning by principal Sean O’Hara.

“Riverhead Police Department has notified us of this and assured us there will be a heavy police presence today to ensure the safety of the students and staff,” Mr. O’Hara said in the brief message.

The police presence comes one day after video recorded inside the school showed a large fight and security members trying to break it up. Riverhead police Chief David Hegermiller confirmed the police presence was related to the fight.

He said he did not know of any further, specific threats.

The fight occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. Thursday. It’s unclear how many injuries were reported, but the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps was called to the high school.

Riverhead Superintendent Aurelia Henriquez issued a statement Friday afternoon through the district’s media relations associate.

“Late last night, the district was made aware of a generic threat on social media. Following an investigation, district security and Riverhead Town Police deemed the threats non-credible. Separately, the district can confirm an incident between a group of students yesterday morning. The district does not comment on student matters. However, the well-being of our students and staff remains our priority and we will continue to work to ensure their safety. Out of an abundance of caution, the district requested additional police presence during today’s morning arrival.”