4 Kids, 1 Adult Arrested After Bayonne Assault That Drew Help From Teacher

BAYONNE, NJ — Four minors and an adult have been charged with an assault near a Bayonne school that was stopped when a teacher threw her body on top of the victim.

Educarray McGhie, 18, of Bayonne, and four teens, ages 15, 16, 16, and 17, have been charged with aggravated assault, endangering an injured victim, and riot, said Sgt. William Dundas on Friday.

All five are facing aggravated assault charges over the Tuesday attack, police said. The victim was a minor, according to police.

The assault occurred just before 3 p.m. on Avenue A, police said. The location is beside a Bayonne preK-8 school, but the victim attended Bayonne High School nearby, officials said.

During the assault, the five teens knocked the victim to the ground and repeatedly kicked and stomped on their body and head, police said.

“A bystander came to the aid of the victim by shielding him with her body, thereby stopping the attack," police said.

During the altercation, the victim was knocked unconscious. They were treated and released a short time later, police said.

According to officials, the assailants fled the area on foot.

McGhie was taken to the Hudson County Correctional Facility after processing, police said. The juveniles were taken to various youth correctional facilities in New Jersey, they said.

Teacher Praised

A special education teacher at the school is being praised for throwing herself on top of the boy, an act that some say may have saved his life, according to a report on NJ.com.

Cathy Hurley, 56, protected the boy while others watched "in disbelief," the report says.

Bayonne Superintendent John Niesz praised the teacher Friday, saying she committed "an act of selfless kindness and heroism in protecting a Bayonne High School student." He said she has requested anonymity.

The attack occurred next to William Shermin Midtown Community School on Avenue A, which educates 1,200 students in pre-k through eighth grade. Bayonne High School is approximately five blocks away.

After a Bayonne Facebook group posted a link to the news story on Thursday night, commenters were outraged that more people didn't help.

"She risked being injured to save that student while others recorded and did absolutely nothing!" wrote one woman. "I teach in Newark and I've intervened more times that I can count because not only are we supposed to protect our students, but it's the humane and right thing to do!!! Can you imagine having to fear repercussions for grabbing the assailants and having to worry about the possibility of losing her license while trying to protect a child? ...She's a hero!"

"It’s a shame no other adult stepped in just watched and recorded," wrote a woman. "That teacher should be rewarded she did an amazing thing and grateful she was there."