Parents Arrested After Fight At Wyandanch Flag Football Game; Parent Threatened To ‘Shoot Up’ School: Police

WYANDANCH, NY — Suffolk County police arrested two parents after a fight broke out following a varsity girls flag football game between Wyandanch Memorial High School and Southampton High School on Thursday evening, police said.

According to Suffolk County Police, the altercation happened around 6:15 p.m. after the game ended at Wyandanch Memorial High School on South 32nd Street.

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Police said a fight initially broke out between players from the two schools before two parents became involved.

Investigators said Shalaya Gatlin punched a 16-year-old girl in the chest, punched another 16-year-old girl in the face, and threatened a 15-year-old girl during the incident.

Gatlin, 37, of Shirley, was charged with three counts of second-degree harassment and three counts of acting in a manner to injure a child, police said.

Police said Jonathan Perez, 35, of Shirley, engaged in a physical altercation with a 16-year-old boy, threatened people with a knife, and threatened to “shoot up” the school during the disturbance.

Perez was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, making a threat of mass harm, third-degree menacing, second-degree harassment and acting in a manner to injure a child, police said.

The two defendants are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.

Police said the three 16-year-old victims were treated for minor injuries.

In a message sent to families Friday, Superintendent Dr. Erik Wright called the incident “an unfortunate altercation” involving members of both teams and parents from the opposing team.

In a message sent to families Friday, Superintendent Dr. Erik Wright called the incident “an unfortunate altercation” involving members of both teams and parents from the opposing team.

Wright said local police responded to the scene and that the district is “cooperating as appropriate” while reviewing the matter internally.

“Athletics provide valuable opportunities for teamwork, leadership, and school pride,” Wright wrote. “We expect all of our scholars, families, and spectators to contribute to an environment that is safe, respectful, and supportive for everyone involved.”

Wright added that the district takes “situations involving student safety and conduct seriously” and will continue reinforcing expectations for appropriate behavior both on and off the field.