By Jim Six and Rob Scott

WOODBURY — The 18-year-old Woodbury High School graduate who was elected to the school board in April was arrested for assault after fighting over a girl Tuesday night, police said.

His father was also charged in connection with the incident.

Theodore Johnson Jr., of East Barber Avenue, reportedly was exchanging heated text messages about a girl with Paul Hughes, 18, of South Barber Avenue, said police.

Hughes reportedly texted Johnson that he was at the basketball courts behind the Woodbury Child Development Center and that they should meet and handle the issue like men, police said.

Ted Johnson Jr. drove over to the basketball courts, with his 66-year-old father, Ted Sr., in the passenger seat, police said.

The younger Johnson and Hughes fought at abut 7:30 p.m.

When it appeared his son might be losing, according to police, the older Johnson got involved in the brawl. Some witnesses insisted he was trying to assault Hughes, while others said he was attempting to break up the fight.

The Johnsons retreated into the car, and Johnson Jr. allegedly backed up with his driver’s door still open, hitting Edward McKinnie, 32, of Westville, and knocking him down, said police.

Johnson Jr. then allegedly backed into a parked car before driving away from the scene.

A large crowd had gathered by the time police arrived.

McKinnie was sent to the hospital for treatment of scrapes and bruises, said police.

Officers went to the Johnson home and arrested the 18-year-old and his father.

Ted Johnson Jr. was charged with simple assault, simple assault by auto, disorderly conduct and inciting a riot, said police.

His father was charged with disorderly conduct, inciting a riot and simple assault for allegedly punching Hughes, police said.

Hughes was charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct and inciting a riot, said police.

McKinnie was charged with disorderly conduct, inciting a riot and simple assault for allegedly punching Johnson Jr.

All four were served with complaint summonses and released.

Johnson Jr. is expected to attend Rutgers University in Camden this fall, studying political science and law.

A three-sport athlete — track, swimming and football — Johnson also was a member of the WHS student government and the drama club.

Ted Johnson Jr., reached via cell phone, opted not to comment. Woodbury Schools Superintendent Joseph Jones III also declined comment.

Regarding possible consequences, New Jersey School Boards Association public affairs officer Mike Yaple said the local school board cannot remove Johnson from his post there based on the charges. Nor can he be removed even if convicted.

A school board is authorized to remove a member only if he or she misses three consecutive meetings without good cause, Yaple said. But such a move is not required.

Johnson could lose his post if the state Department of Education or the courts deem it necessary.

Yaple cited the forfeiture of public office provision in the New Jersey criminal code that requires elected officials to leave office if convicted of a crime of the third degree or higher, a crime of dishonesty or one that relates to the official’s position.

Yaple offered that he doesn’t think Johnson’s case would rise to the level at which the provision can be revoked, although he conceded “I’m not an attorney, and it all depends on the charges.”