05/25/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2026
Statement from Acting Chief Ditty Regarding Incident at Valley Green Village and the Police Department’s Zero-Tolerance Stance on Criminal Behavior.
On Sunday evening at approximately 8:00 p.m., a large altercation involving multiple juveniles and adults occurred near the basketball courts on North Conley Lane within the Valley Green Village community. During the incident, an adult female was armed with a knife.
Newberry Township Police Officers arrived on scene within one minute of being dispatched and immediately requested additional law enforcement resources to safely and effectively bring the situation under control.
As a result of the incident, an adult female was taken into custody and transported to the York County Processing Center. She has been charged for her actions during the incident. Additional individuals involved have been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing. Criminal charges are expected to be filed against numerous additional participants, including both adults and juveniles.
MESSAGE FROM ACTING CHIEF BRAXTON DITTY
"The conduct displayed during this incident is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Newberry Township. Our parks, neighborhoods, and recreational areas are intended to be safe places for families, children, and residents to gather, not locations for violence, intimidation, threats, or disorderly behavior.
Over the past several weeks, the Newberry Township Police Department has increased patrols in the Valley Green Village area in response to community concerns. Our officers have made an effort not only to provide a visible law enforcement presence, but also to build positive relationships with the youth in the neighborhood. Officers have spent time engaging with young people, talking with them, and even joining them on the basketball court. We believe strongly in community policing and in building trust through positive interactions.
However, while we will continue to be present and engaged in the community, we cannot be everywhere at all times. Ultimately, every individual is responsible for their own actions and decisions. When those decisions involve violence, threats, harassment, or other criminal conduct, there will be consequences.
Let me be absolutely clear: Anyone who chooses to engage in criminal activity in our community should expect to be investigated, identified, arrested, and prosecuted when appropriate. The Newberry Township Police Department will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to violence, weapons offenses, assaults, harassment, and any behavior that threatens the safety and quality of life of our residents.
I want to commend the officers who responded rapidly and professionally to a chaotic and potentially dangerous situation. Their swift actions, along with the assistance of our law enforcement partners, helped restore order and ensure the safety of those present.
To anyone considering similar behavior in the future, understand this: Our department will pursue every available investigative lead, review all available evidence, and hold offenders accountable. We will not allow a small number of individuals to disrupt our community, intimidate our residents, or jeopardize public safety.”
