Teen Charged After Car-Flipping College Riot

A 19-year-old man from Bethlehem Township is among those arrested in connection with a riot that resulted in a car being flipped near West Chester University earlier this month.

Nicholas Geraghty of 3729 Canterbury Road was charged with third-degree felony riot, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and recklessly endangering another person. The Northampton Community College student was released on $25,000 unsecured bail following his arraignment on Friday.

The riot, which has been the subject of numerous Philadelphia television news reports, took place May 4 after police shut down a house party near West Chester University after neighbors complained.

Witnesses said a crowd of young adults spilled out into the street after police arrived and some of them flipped a parked car—a 2002 Pontiac—onto its side.

Earlier this month West Chester Mayor Carolyn Commita told Patch that the borough will hold those found to be part of the incident responsible for the damage. She also told Patch that West Chester University would take action against any WCU student found guilty of participating in the incident.

Two people were arrested in the immediate aftermath of the party. Four more—including Geraghty—were charged last week.

West Chester Police said "two additional subjects are making arrangements to turn themselves in on the following charges: riot, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, recklessly endangering another person and criminal conspiracy."

The party has been which produces online videos of parties and young adults in what often appear to be drinking situations.