A disturbing incident at Ypsilanti Middle School in Michigan has led to a coach losing his job and facing serious criminal charges. According to local authorities, the coach used a shirt to choke a student in the hallway, an act that was allegedly caught on surveillance video.
The surveillance footage reportedly shows an adult male coach approaching a teenage student from behind as the student walks down the hallway. The coach then wraps a rolled-up shirt around the student's neck and pulls back, causing a struggle as the shirt tightens around the student's neck. Eventually, the student manages to break free, and the coach releases him, allowing the student to walk away.
The coach, whose identity has not been disclosed, is now facing charges of assault with intent to do great bodily harm by strangulation and assault and battery. These charges were confirmed by local prosecutors who spoke with ABC News.
NEW: A Michigan middle school coach was fired after allegedly choking a 14-year-old student with a shirt, in an incident captured on surveillance video.
— Dutch Burke (@DutchBurke) June 13, 2024
That man has no business working at a school. 👎🏻
The incident occurred at Ypsilanti Middle School as the coach can be seen… pic.twitter.com/ArKB075Eur
According to the student's parents, the incident began when the coach ordered their son to do pushups as punishment for horsing around in the hallway. The boy refused, citing an injured hand, and the parents allege that the coach then resorted to physical violence.
This incident has prompted swift action from the school district. The district has confirmed that the coach is no longer employed at Ypsilanti Middle School and has been banned from the campus and all school-related events.
This troubling incident has sparked outrage and concern within the Ypsilanti community. Parents and students alike are grappling with the shock of such behavior from a trusted authority figure. The school district has emphasized its commitment to student safety and has likely reviewed its policies to prevent such incidents in the future.