Three staffers at a group home for girls in Orange were injured last week trying to break up a violent melee between residents.
New Windsor police responded to an urgent 911 call last Thursday inside St. Christopher's Group Home for Girls. Responding officers reported that a staffer called the scene "complete mayhem."
According to a police report, a 17-year-old student used a four-inch butcher's knife and a frying pan with searing hot oil to defend herself against an attack involving three girls. Two staffers ended up suffering injuries from the oil and the other was slashed by the knife.
Authorities say the two female staff members were hospitalized with serious burns to their face and body, and the third had to receive stitches on her hand.
The facility provides residential and clinical services to young women with special needs. A representative issued a statement saying, "The entire St. Christopher's community is shocked and saddened by the injuries sustained by staff members who placed themselves in harm's way to protect the youth in our care. The resident who perpetrated these dangerous actions was arrested and will be subject to the criminal justice system."
Police say the student was charged with multiple felonies and is in Orange County jail on $10,000 bail. It does not appear that any other girls involved in the brawl were arrested.