Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

Two teens charged after disrupting basketball game
BY JENNIFER TODD, Staff Writer

Two teenagers have been charged after they ran onto the court -- one boy stripping off his shirt -- during a high school basketball game Friday night, East Hempfield Township police said.

The incident occurred at Hempfield High School as the varsity Knights hosted Manheim Townhip in front of a capacity crowd.

The boys involved are ages 16 and 17. Police are not releasing their names because they are minors but said both are from East Hempfield Township.

It was not known if they are students at Hempfield High School.

Authorities said the 17-year-old had been asked by a school official to leave the game because of "inappropriate cheering."

A short time later, the same official noticed the teen and a 16-year-old boy seated in the visitor section of the bleachers.

Police and the administrator told the boys they had to leave or risk being charged with trespassing. The teens left the gym, according to police.

With about one minute remaining in the game and during a time-out, both boys ran back into the gym and across the court, the older teen stripping off his shirt and throwing it, police said.

The 17-year-old immediately was detained but the younger boy slipped out a door. He quickly was identified and contacted and voluntarily went to the police station.

Both teens were charged with criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. The younger boy also was charged with underage drinking. They were released to the their parents.

jtodd@lnpnews.com