ALLENTOWN, Pa. – An altercation between students at an Allentown middle school led to a man allegedly assaulting the school’s acting principal, hitting him in the head several times.

According to a statement released from Allentown School District, on Thursday, June 4, staff responded to a student altercation following dismissal at Harrison Morton Middle School.

The criminal complaint states that 22-year old Dyhmir White-Brown, who was not authorized to be on school property, assaulted the acting school principal.

According to court records, The school resource officer says that he was called for assistance at the front of the school on 2nd Street around 2:35 p.m. Upon arrival, he says staff pointed towards White-Brown stating, “He hit the principal.”

Court records indicate White-Brown and members of his family went to the school in response to a family member, who’s a student at the school, allegedly being harassed by a boy in the school. After White-Brown arrived at the school, there was an altercation between two juveniles.

A woman said the principal was separating the two juveniles when White-Brown allegedly hit the principal. According to court documents, school surveillance video showed the principal keeping the two juveniles separated, when White-Brown struck the rear of the principal’s head at least four times.

Jose Miguel, who works at the barbershop across the street, saw the fight.

“They got into an argument and then just started throwing punches, hitting each other. After that, security came and broke it up,” said Miguel.

According to court records, the victim is acting school Principal Arcelius Brickhouse, who was hired before the ‘24-’25 school year to be the district’s Executive Director of Instructional Leadership.

“He’s a cool guy. I’ve seen him a couple of times,” said Jason Silva, the parent of a Harrison Morton student. “I always say hi to him so for something like that to happen is crazy.”

Shawn New has a friend who is a 5th grade teacher in the school.

“She was terrified,” said New. “She’s scared of the kids here. She’s scared of the kids bringing their family here and attacking them. Things of that nature.”

White-Brown was arrested on scene and charged with aggravated assault and simple assault. He posted $5,000 bail and is awaiting his preliminary hearing on July 2, according to court documents.

The incident was addressed quickly, and there was no ongoing threat to students, staff, or the school community, according to school officials.

“Nothing’s changed. Something has to change though,” said New. “I don’t know when change is going to happen, but it needs to be now.”

Out of respect for the school leader’s privacy, ASD says it is unable to provide additional information regarding the person’s condition, but notes that person is receiving appropriate care.