Video Shows Middle School Coach Choking Student
By Jason Hall
June 13, 2024
A former middle school coach faces charges after allegedly choking a 14-year-old student with a shirt, as caught on surveillance video footage, ABC News reports.
The incident involving the "trusted coach" and teenager took place at Ypsilanti Middle School on June 4, according to Jordan Vahdat, the family's attorney. Ypsilanti Community Schools confirmed that the coach was no longer employed by the district.
"Our district is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students," said Ypsilanti Community Schools Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross said in a statement obtained by ABC News. "The actions of the employee are absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our district."
"We will continue to implement and enforce policies that protect our students and ensure their well-being," her statement continued.
NEW: Michigan middle school coach has been fired for allegedly choking a student with a shirt
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) June 12, 2024
The coach allegedly took off a shirt, wound it around his wrists, and choked Michael from behind in the hallway last week
The teenager told his parents he coach told him to do pushups… pic.twitter.com/u09BxDyeFj
Footage of the incident showed the employee approach the student, whose family identified him as Michael Moon, while the teen was walking down the hallway. The employee then raised a shirt over the head of the student, who appeared to struggle to get loose before breaking free and walking away fewer than 20 seconds after being approached.
The Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that it authorized charges for assault with intent to do great bodily harm by strangulation and assault and battery against the former employee. No additional details were released in relation to the case.