NORTH BERGEN, NJ — On Friday, December 8, 2017, two female students from North Bergen High School were involved in a fist fight several blocks away from the school. The fight was recorded by several onlookers and was posted to social media. As the fight was ongoing, a long-time North Bergen High School teacher who was off-duty on his way to his personal vehicle, witnessed the fight and intervened to separate the students.

“His only concern at the moment was for the safety and wellbeing of the students,” states the township spokesperson.

During the altercation, 19-year-old, Luis Flores, of the 400 block of 6th Street in Union City, threw the teacher on the ground and proceeded to kick him in the face while the teacher was down. Mr. Flores is not, and has never been a North Bergen High School student.

After viewing the fight on social media, detectives from the North Bergen Police Department, through investigative means were able to locate and arrest Mr. Flores on Monday, December 11th. Mr. Flores was charged with aggravated assault and riot; based on his previous criminal record, Flores was incarcerated and held without bail at the Hudson County Corrections Center.

In addition, two juvenile females and one juvenile male, involved in the aforementioned fist fight were arrested and charged with disorderly persons.

“The North Bergen Police Department and North Bergen School District work hand-in-hand to provide a safe and secure learning environment for the students. The safety and wellbeing of the students is a priority for all North Bergen educators, staff and administrators.,” reads an official statement by the township.

“We would like the public to rest assured that the safety of the students at North Bergen High School has never been better. “

“This was an unfortunate and isolated incident off school grounds and not indicative of the conduct of the majority of the student body at the High School and throughout the district.”

Warning, graphic video.

Over $31,000 has been raised for the late Sgt. Alexander Vazquez’s surviving children.

According to the GoFundMe page, the North Bergen Police Department and PBA Local 18 have started the fundrasier page in memoriam to Vazquez.

“In an effort to establish a scholarship fund to support his children, we ask you to give what you can to ensure that his children may succeed as best they can despite the void left by the loss of Sgt. Vazquez,” reads the fundraiser’s description.

Sgt. Vazquez was a father of four, ages one to eleven.

The fundraiser was started by Lieutenant Michael Vitali and had a goal of $20,000. The goal was passed in less than 24 hours.

You may contribute by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/family-of-sergeant-vazquez

A sergeant in the North Bergen Police Department (NBPD) is on life support following an alleged self-inflicted gun wound last night, according to sources.

The source, speaking under the condition of anonymity, stated that around 10 PM last night the sergeant was found in his car with a gun wound. He was then rushed to Jersey City Medical Center where he is believed to be in critical condition.

North Bergen officials did not provide immediate comment. HudPost will update as this story develops.

Update: 10/19/17 4:40 PM

According to Hudson County View the officer’s name has been released.

Sgt. Alex Vazquez is a highly decorated and officer with over 12 years of police service, having once served on-loan to the FBI Violent Crimes Taskforce.

“Alex Vazquez was a stand-out athlete and district champion wrestler for the North Bergen High School. As a North Bergen Police Officer he is regarded by his peers as a leader and a good friend to many in the department. I am praying for Alex and his family during this trying time,” Mayor Nick Sacco said in a statement.

Police Chief Robert Dowd said “the entire department is in shock” over the incident.

Earlier today the North Bergen police department was contacted about two farm animals roaming the property of the Grove Reformed Church.

“A resident contacted us to say while inside Grove Cemetery she observed a goat and a chicken roaming the property,” writes the North Bergen Police Department. “Sometimes, various cultures utilize animals in sacrifices; however, it is unclear if that was the case here, for sure, as the two were not tied up and were freely roaming the property.”

The township Animal Control officer stated, “the goat and chicken seemed to get along like they were good friends.

Both animals were rescued together.” The rescues were brought to an animal shelter according to North Bergen Police.