Tonawanda Gang Threats Concern for TNT Football Game

Gossip, rumors, bullying, these are problems every high school is dealing with. But, those issues are taking on a new dimension in the Tonawanda City School District, with students concerned about possible violence.

Every high school has its clicks; football players, cheerleaders, the smart kids, outsiders, it's no different in the City of Tonawanda.

The Fresh Boys started out just as a group of friends, but things changed. When one boy hung himself, the teasing intensified.

Salvatore Mayes, former Fresh Boys member, "There'd be kids walking down the hall holding their necks and laughing about it acting like they're dying."

So, partially to get back at the kids doing the teasing, the Fresh Boys started recruiting members. Now, the group has 30 kids, some as young as 5th grade. Police say they're getting into trouble all over the City of Tonawanda.

Since this summer, they've been involved in 60 incidents. The latest, a 16 year old arrested for falsely reporting an incident.

One student tells us, "It's like clique on a whole other level. They're very serious about being together and want to be known as the Fresh Boys."

Police Chief Cindy Young, "I think part of the reason that it gained more notoriety than other normal social gatehring is because they named themselves."

But, kids tell us they aren't the only group with a name, although they are the only group considered by students to be a gang.

The Hangmen, formed as a joke to mock the student who died. The Heed Nation, reportedly formed and is made up of some football players.

Superintendent Barbara Peters, "Those were rumors given to us by some students and we have not been able to substantiate that."

Rumors, threats, and gossip move faster because of social networking website myspace. Some kids have used it to bully each other.

Mayes, "Pretty much everything started changing when we started getting in trouble and that's when I got out of fresh boys and said I don't want to be in trouble and don't want to bring my friends name down."

Reporter, "When did you feel like it started to become a problem?

Chief Young, "I dont feel that it became a problem until the rumors got out of control."

Rumors surrounding the threat of violence led to beefed up security at school last Friday. Things are getting back to normal now. But, there are still rumors swirling and fears with the big Tonawanda - North Tonawanda game Friday.

Parent, Kris Strough, "I just want the kids to be re-assured they are in a safe enviornment."

The Superintendent says she will continue to meet with parents and students. Some of the kids involved are in counseling. The Police Chief says she's keeping an eye on the Fresh Boys. She's even started a gang task force, working with other agencies in other communities.

Both the Police Chief and the Superintendent say parents should not worry, but if they have any concerns feel free to call and talk with them.