North Babylon student charged after high school fight

Suffolk County police arrested a North Babylon High School student after responding to an altercation during a varsity basketball game Thursday, school officials and Suffolk police confirmed Tuesday.

Suffolk police reported that Laquan Brown, 18, of North Babylon was charged with disorderly conduct last week for participating in the fight at the high school. North Babylon was playing the Copiague High School basketball team. Suffolk police were called to respond to the high school Thursday at 6:45 p.m.

District officials confirmed that a security guard suffered a concussion during the altercation. No other details were available.

According to a statement from Salvatore Carambia, interim superintendent of the North Babylon School District: "the district has been informed that . . . Brown, a North Babylon High School student, has been arrested in connection with an altercation that took place during the boys' varsity basketball game on Thursday, January 8, 2014. The student has been suspended from school pending the outcome of a superintendent's hearing.

"The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority and the district is diligent in its efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for all who enter our buildings," the statement said.

By Joie Tyrrell

joie.tyrrell@newsday.com@JoieTyrrell

Joie Tyrrell is a Long Island native and covers education for Newsday, where she has worked since 1998.