UPPER ARLINGTON — A 17-year-old student on the swim team was charged with the assault and strangulation of another student earlier this month at Upper Arlington High School, according to our news partner 10TV.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Upper Arlington police were alerted that a student was assaulted in the high school locker room on Dec. 11.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Couple facing over 100 additional charges in connection to ‘horrific abuse’ of 8-year-old
- New Orleans attack: Bourbon Street reopens
- Plane makes unscheduled landing at DAY for 3rd time in a week
Police received a statement that two students were playing the “snail” game, which involves giving a fake fist bump, when the victim “got caught.”
The suspect reportedly told one of his coaches that the other student would have to comply with the consequences of losing the game, or what they called “getting snailed.”
The victim did not comply, and the suspect allegedly removed his belt and snapped it toward the victim.
The victim grabbed the belt and the suspect put him in a headlock, police say. The victim allegedly started swinging the belt toward the suspect and hit him twice. The suspect then tightened his hold and the victim lost consciousness, according to police documents.
When the suspect let go, the victim fell and hit his face on the ground and sustained serious injuries, according to the report.
Officers say the coach was alerted to the incident in the locker room when he heard students “screaming for help.” The coach then found the victim on the floor with blood coming from his face, the report says.
The suspect was arrested and charged with strangulation and felonious assault.
In a statement to 10TV, Upper Arlington Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Hunt said that the situation is being “thoroughly investigated” and the consequences in the student code of conduct will apply. He was unable to provide any further information, citing federal and state privacy laws.
The Upper Arlington Police Division is handling the investigation.
[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2025 Cox Media Group
