Ballston Spa High School Receives Unwelcomed Fireworks Show

High School Student Arrested After Setting Off Fire Crackers in Cafeteria

victor rodriguez
Ballston Spa Resident and High School student Daniel Berger was arraigned in the Town of Clifton Park Court today for allegedly setting off fire crackers in the school cafeteria. According to State Police spokesperson Trooper Maureen Tuffey, the incident occurred around 7:30 AM and there were no injuries.

According to witnesses, the high school senor threw the pyrotechnics into a crowd of students in the school cafeteria and caused students to run for cover. At first, students and faculty thought that it was gun fire they were hearing, but after determining it was fire crackers, the faculty quickly took control of the situation. Some students were quoted as saying that they thought it was columbine all over again.

According to school officials Daniel has been suspended for five days, but that there will be a meeting to determine whether more should be done. The superintendent says that the student's prospects for graduation are now in serious jeopardy. It is unclear exactly why the student threw the pyrotechnics, but it seems as if it was meant as a prank. The student's lawyer said quote, "he is in a world of trouble." Daniel was seeking to get into college on an athletic scholarship. Now this is in doubt.

Investigators have asked the school to provide video surveillance tapes to piece together what went down during the terrifying event. In the mean time, the Saratoga County DA is seeking to get an order of protection against the student, prohibiting him from setting foot on school grounds. Daniel Berger is currently being held in the Saratoga County Jail on $10,000 bail. The 17 year old is being held on third-degree criminal weapons possession charges and second-degree reckless endangerment. The Student could face 7 years in jail for his actions.

Prior to the tragic events at Columbine, a stunt like this would have landed the student in the principal's office. After the tragedy however, the New York State Legislature passed laws making it a felony to have explosive or incendiary devices on school grounds. He was re-arraigned in town court at 7 PM Thursday, where he was led in to court in hand and feet shackles. After the hearing, his parents posted bail to secure his release.
Resources:

Saratoga County DA Jim Murphy . Press Conference. 19 Oct. 2009.

Published by victor rodriguez

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1 Comments

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  • Steve 11/20/2009

    This story is full of horsepoop. I was walking past the cafeteria with my good friend william when said event occured. It sounded like a fight. not gun shots. Also Dan does not part take in any kind of sport. Youre an idiot.

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