By Daniel Nolan
The Hamilton Spectator(Nov 26, 2005)
Seven youths and one adult have been arrested in connection with a brazen, armed attack on students at Glendale secondary school.
The eight were corralled by Hamilton police yesterday morning during a synchronized operation at high schools across the city.
The accused were wanted in connection with a Monday evening attack on members of the Glendale Bears senior boys' basketball team in the high school gym.
A group of knife and club-wielding youths entered the gym and began a fight with the 11 basketball players. One player was slashed on the arm with what was believed to be a machete. A second was hit in the head with a bottle and third was hit in the ribs with a stick.
The attackers are believed to have gained entry to the east- end school by smashing windows on two doors with a fire extinguisher.
No students were seriously injured, but the attack caused fear and anger among students and parents. The attack is believe to be linked to a dispute among four teens playing a table soccer game known as "foosball" earlier in the day.
The eight have been charged with forcible entry, assault with a weapon and weapons dangerous to the public peace. Seven range from the ages of 14 to 17 and the eighth is 18-year-old Admir Dzabji of Hamilton.
Police are opposing bail for all of the accused. Some of those arrested are Glendale students.
The investigation is continuing and police say they are searching for one other youth.
"We want to reassure the community that we are committed to work to bring this issue to a peaceful resolution so once again students, parents and our community at large can feel safe," said Hamilton police Superintendent Eric Girt.
Hamilton District School Board spokesperson Chuck Reid said board officials have been working with police and he is pleased with the way the investigation has been handled.
"We wish to assure our parents, students and the community that violence in our schools will not be tolerated," Reid said.
dnolan@thespec.com
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