YORKTOWN, NY – A tumultuous incident in Westchester County has brought attention to the safety of students at Lakeland High School. A 42-year-old parent faces serious charges after allegedly assaulting a 16-year-old girl, escalating a conflict that began between two students.
The altercation unfolded on a seemingly ordinary afternoon at a shopping center across from the high school. It began with a dispute during lunch between two students, including Hayley Quasi, who later found herself at the center of a frightening encounter. Quasi, recounting the ordeal, expressed disbelief at the turn of events that landed her in the hospital with bruises.
Surveillance footage captured the tense moments leading up to the confrontation. Quasi approached a fellow student awaiting a ride, but the situation quickly escalated when Charles Santiago, a classmate’s father, intervened. Santiago, wearing a badge around his neck, allegedly claimed to be a law enforcement officer, a statement that Quasi found dubious.
Sensing danger, Quasi began recording the encounter on her phone and threatened to call her father. She attempted to distance herself by running alongside the building, but Santiago allegedly pursued her, trying to seize her phone. The situation intensified when Quasi attempted to draw attention by running towards a nearby car, hoping the recording would serve as evidence of the attack.
Santiago, now facing charges of misdemeanor assault, felony impersonation of an officer, and robbery, remained silent when approached for comment. A restraining order has been issued against him as the legal proceedings unfold.
The emotional impact of the incident lingers, with Quasi expressing concern about potential retaliation. Her father voiced his outrage, emphasizing that no adult should physically confront a child. The psychological scars, he fears, will endure long after the physical ones heal.
Although Santiago is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency, he is reportedly registered with the New York State Chaplains Group. He has been released on bail, while the school district collaborates with Quasi’s family to ensure her safety for the remainder of the school year.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and support in safeguarding students.