THE BRONX — A 13-year-old and 14-year-old boy have been arrested on charges they raped two female schoolmates last week inside a Claremont junior high auditorium, police said.
The attack on the girls — ages 12 and 13 — occurred at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 16 at JHS 145, located in the 44th Precinct, according to the NYPD.
According to court documents, the 14-year-old boy pushed his victim onto the floor and had sex with her multiple times. He was charged as an adult with rape, a criminal sex act, sexual misconduct and forcible touching, according to court documents.
However, investigators will determine whether or not the teen will be tried as an adult, according to the Bronx District Attorney's office.
The 13-year-old boy has been charged with rape and a criminal sex act, but is expected to be charged as a minor, police said. His case has been referred to the New York City Law Department's Family Court Division, and the agency is looking into the matter, according to a spokesman.
Department of Education officials did not immediately have any information about whether the students were supposed to be monitored while in the auditorium or what security was in place at the time of the attack.
The DOE sent out a statement from Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña in which she expressed horror at the attack.
“I am deeply disturbed and saddened by these reported events," she said. "My thoughts are with the students and families affected by this horrible incident."
"As a mother and grandmother, I treat every student as my own, and every school must be a safe haven," she continued. "The NYPD is addressing this matter, and we have provided additional guidance counselors and support to the school to aid its students and families during this difficult time.”
