Five New Jersey teens have been arrested after brutally attacking a student outside a school in Bayonne, stopping only when a teacher stepped in and used her body to shield the victim.
Educarray McGhie, 18, and four minors ranging in age from 15 to 17 — none of whom were identified — are facing counts including aggravated assault, endangering an injured victim and rioting, Bayonne Detective Sgt. William Dundas told NJ.com.
The charges stem from a violent incident that unfolded Tuesday outside William Shemin Midtown Community School, where teacher Cathy Hurley works as a special education teacher.
Hurley was among the students and teachers making their way out of the building just before 3 p.m. when she spotted a group of teens beating a student, who is also a minor. Video of the incident shows the boy being stomped, punched and dragged, prompting Hurley to spring into action.
The educator at first tries putting her arms out in bid to block the attack, but the group of teens persist. She can then be seen placing her body on top of the student and covering his head, before the attackers flee the scene.
“A bystander came to the aid of the victim by shielding him with her body, thereby stopping the attack,” police said.
By the time violence stopped, the victim was unconscious. He was treated and released from a local hospital a short time later.
It’s unclear what led up to the vicious attack.
Bayonne Superintendent John Niesz in a statement to Patch praised Hurley’s bravery, saying she committed an “an act of selfless kindness and heroism in protecting a Bayonne high school student.”
Hurley’s daughter, Frances Sielski, said her mother returned to work the next day.
