POLICE SAY TEEN-AGERS TURN ON THEM
Submitted by Julie Campbell Hernandez
Source:  Times-Picayune, New Orleans, LA

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Police said Saturday they were forced to club a 15 year old boy and blast a 
crowd of teen-agers with tear gas to break up a melee that erupted after a 
school dance.

The trouble broke out about midnight in a parking area near St. Dominic's 
school, 6326 Memphis.

Police said Ptn. John Bernius cracked a 15 year old boy over the head with a 
night stick after the youth struck at the officer, who was attempting to break 
up a fight.

The youth was taken to Charity Hospital with a sever head laceration and 
possible skull fracture.  He was later turned over to the care of a private 
physician.

RELEASES GAS

Police said Bernius released a capsule of tear gas after other efforts failed 
to break up a crowd that gathered around the scene of two fights.

The injured 15 year odl was fighting with Rene Johnson, 18, 1724 Pauline, when 
Bernius moved in to break up the trouble, according to police.

The 15 year old elbowed Bernius in the stomach and attempted to kick him in 
the groin, police related.

TWO ARE BOOKED

He was booked in the police juvenile division with disturbing the peace and 
Johnson was booked under the same count at the Third District.

Police said another 15 year old was involved in the fighting, but was not 
booked, pending investigation.

Bernius and Ptn. Lucien Cassard were detailed at a dance at St. Dominic's, 
police said.