Charges filed against Upper Arlington swimmer accused of choking, injuring teammate

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UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) – Upper Arlington police have confirmed an arrest was made in connection to an assault that occurred inside the boy’s swim team’s locker room earlier this month.

According to the Upper Arlington Police Division, on Dec. 11, officers and medics arrived at the high school where a student was suffering from severe injuries after being choked and dropped to the floor by a teammate.

The suspect, a 17-year-old boy, has been charged with felonious assault after causing serious physical harm to his teammate. Police received information on what led to the incident in a meeting with Athletic Director Spencer Smith, Assistant Athletic Director Logan Erwin, and Head Principal Andrew Therado, who all received a statement from UA’s Swim Club coach Luke Landis.

Landis, who spoke with the suspect, relayed that while playing the “snail” game, which entails giving a fake fist-pump, the victim “got caught”, which reportedly includes a consequence of “getting snailed”. The suspect took hold of a belt and attempted to strike the victim, but when the victim grabbed the belt to prevent being hit, the suspect put the victim in a headlock.

The victim reportedly grabbed the belt and began striking the suspect, hitting him twice with the buckle, but he eventually fell unconscious. When the suspect let go of the victim, the victim struck his face on the ground, causing serious injuries.

UA police said the victim was hospitalized with severe lacerations, loss of teeth, broken bones, and possible internal injuries after the fall.

The suspect, who is formally charged with felonious assault and strangulation, was arrested at his home that same day.