HOWARD — A lunchtime argument over a girl between two male East Knox High School students may have instigated a physical assault against one of the boys, according to Knox County Sheriff David Barber.
A 17-year-old student was taken by sheriff’s deputies to juvenile detention Wednesday afternoon, after he allegedly assaulted and seriously injured the other boy in the school cafeteria.
The name of the alleged perpetrator has not been released because charges have not yet been filed, according to Barber.
“Charges are pending,” Barber said. “Those charges will be determined by the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office.”
Knox County Assistant Prosecutor Chip McConville said charges are pending further investigation. The suspect is being held in a Zanesville juvenile facility on the order of the court.
“There was a detention hearing yesterday afternoon and the suspect was put into juvenile detention,” McConville said.
McConville said the court ordered the juvenile held for up to 15 days pending arraignment.
The victim of the assault, 16-year-old Zach A. Powers of Howard, sustained injuries to his head and face.
“The victim was struck in the head several times and kicked in the face,” said Barber.
A caller to Knox County 9-1-1 at 12:19 p.m. reported that a student in the East Knox High School cafeteria was having a seizure after being kicked in the face. Seconds later, another caller reported the injured teen had been hit and was unconscious.
Powers was taken by the Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District squad to Knox Community Hospital. He was then flown by MedFlight to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. No further information about his condition has been released.
Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Wayne Noggle, the investigating officer, interviewed several witnesses.
“Statements were obtained from several other students who were in the cafeteria at the time,” Barber said.
He said detectives plan to interview Powers when his condition allows it.
Barber said the juvenile detained by deputies was taken to the juvenile probation office.
“They are the reception center when a juvenile is picked up for a crime,” Barber explained, adding that the teen is not currently on probation.
