— Police were called at 9:30 a.m. on May 6 to Bridgeton High School for an incident.

At that time, education enforcement officer Leo Marquez told them he was assaulted by both a juvenile and a school security staff member.

Marquez told them he was in the area of the school gym when he saw the juvenile with other juveniles.

He said the juvenile assaulted him and he defended himself. He added that

the security guard, Alexis Rodriquez, also assaulted him and he arrested him.

The altercation was broken up and the juvenile was arrested and taken to the nurse’s office and later to Inspira Health Center, in Bridgeton, where he was treated.

The extent of his injuries is not in the report, although a cousin said he received five stitches.

The police report stated he suffered some physical injury to his face.

The police report said Rodriquez was placed under arrest for assaulting Marquez while apparently trying stop further altercation.

Marquez faces no charges at this time.

Both the juvenile and Rodriquez were released on summonses, one to juvenile court and the other to municipal court.

At Tuesday night’s board of education meeting, Marquez asked to speak before the board in open session.

Marquez admitted he had been suspended and cited his nine-year record as a security officer, saying he “had only a couple of blemishes.

CONNECT WITH US!

“I had an altercation with a student on May 6 here in the school and I have been suspended,’’ he said.

“I have been an officer here for the past nine years.

“I was aggravated by two different people.

“I don’t know what my current status is, and I don’t know if I’m going to get reinstated and want to make sure everything is clear.

“Maybe I should have handled the incident differently, but when you’re a police officer, you respond right away.

“I think I should be OK.’’

Board President Angie Edwards told him the entire board had not been apprised of the incident, so it would not be discussed at the meeting.

In response to a question, Edwards asked a reporter before the meeting if he had seen a videotape of the incident.

She indicated she had.

When contacted by the South Jersey Times after the incident, Director of Security Bob Stevens said it was a personnel matter and would be handled in-house.

He gave no further information.

A phone call to Stevens Wednesday morning asking if Marquez was suspended with pay was not immediately returned.

---

Contact staff writer Jack Hummel at 856-451-1000, ext. 556 or jhummel@southjerseymedia.com