BERKELEY – A brutal assault between two teens during Berkeley’s National Night Out could have been stopped by an adult who witnessed it. Instead, that man is accused of extending the fight which may have caused more bodily harm to the victim.
Berkeley Police said 46-year-old Jeff Borawski of Bayville arrived during the fight on the basketball court August 8 at Veterans Park between the two juveniles and instead of trying to help, he allegedly encouraged it to continue.
According to a press release from the police, Borawski was yelling to inflict more injury on one of the involved juveniles even though that juvenile was now incapacitated due to injuries.
The victim suffered multiple injuries including broken bones, contusions, cuts and a brain concussion.
An investigation by the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau revealed that Borawski watched the fight, didn’t call the police, didn’t step in and it was actually a juvenile witness who went to the police.
The press release indicated that police had video evidence from the scene and statements from many eyewitnesses. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office was consulted and Borawski was arrested.
Borawski was charged with Employing a Juvenile in the Commission of a Crime and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail in accordance with the New Jersey Bail Reform Act.
Juvenile charges related to the fight are imminent.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information that can help the probe should call the Berkeley Township Police Department at 732-341-1132 extension 611.
Tips can be anonymous.
