Summit Court House Party Investigation Ongoing

The Westfield Police Department continues to investigate what has been reported as a case of criminal mischief stemming from a house party that took place on Saturday, Sept. 22 on Summit Court. 

Westfield Police Capt. Scott Rodger said police were in the area of the under-100 block of Summit Court on another matter when they became aware of the situation.

When asked to confirm reports that most attendees were Westfield High School students who, through social media, learned about the party, which took place while parents were not at home, Rodger said he could not confirm those details, but said police found "numerous beer cans and debris around the patio of the home."

He added that the homeowners reported roughly 150 uninvited guests turned up at their residence and have filed a report citing "extensive damage to the home," including "two broken screens, a broken bathroom window, a broken shower diverter, a broken firepit, a broken wine rack and a broken scale." Rodger said the residents are still compiling the list of items that have been damaged. No arrests have been made at this time, he said, nor have any juveniles been taken into custody.

When asked to comment on the investigation and suggestions that student athletes may have been involved, Westfield school superintendent Dr. Margaret Dolan said, "We always work cooperatively with the Westfield Police Department. We were told that the police were called to investigate a party that took place on a weekend. Our understanding is that this matter is still under police investigation."

According to WHS's discipline policy, any athlete using alcohol, tobacco, smokeless tobacco, or illegal substances such as drugs or steroids will be subject to the following disciplinary action(s):

First Offense: Suspension from all athletic participation for fourteen (14) calendar days from day of suspension. This includes practices and contests.

All Subsequent Offenses: Suspension from all athletic participation for sixty (60) calendar days excluding days from June 15th through August 15th.

The above regulations will be placed on the eligibility form requiring parent and/or guardian signatures. Notification of suspension by the coach will go in writing to the athletic director, head coach, athletic trainer, Guidance Department, Health Services Department, and parents. A record of all suspensions will be kept in the athletic director’s office.

"I can assure you that we work with students on drug and alcohol abuse from an early age and monitor their behavior in school and at school sponsored events," Dolan continued. "We hold sessions for students and parents on the dangers of substance abuse, and we hold our students responsible by requiring them to sign a Code of Conduct. Westfield High School’s administration, the WHS student group called The Dream Team, the WHS PTSO, and Municipal Alliance are working together again to plan an event in February to coordinate all our efforts to prevent substance abuse and to encourage the community to support these efforts." 

Westfield police ask that anyone with additional information contact Detective Gregory Hobson at 908-789-6085.