Michigan Middle School Coach Fired and Charged After Choking Incident with 14-Year-Old Student

Michigan Middle School Coach Fired and Charged After Choking Incident with 14-Year-Old Student

2 minute read
Published: 6/14/2024

A disturbing incident at Ypsilanti Community Middle School has led to the firing of a coach who was caught on video allegedly choking a 14-year-old student. The confrontation, which has shocked the local community, raises serious concerns about student safety and staff conduct at the school.

The 14-year-old student involved has been identified as Michael Moon. The altercation occurred after Moon refused to do pushups assigned by the coach, citing a hand injury (New York Post). This refusal led to a heated disagreement over a disciplinary issue, escalating into a physical confrontation.

Video footage purportedly shows the coach removing his shirt and wrapping it around Moon's neck, attempting to strangle him. The distressing images have prompted immediate action from the school district, and the coach was terminated from his position following the incident.

Ypsilanti Community Schools Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross reported that the district promptly contacted social services and began cooperating with law enforcement as soon as they were informed of the situation (Fox 2 Detroit). The coach has since been charged with assault with the intent to cause bodily harm by strangulation and assault and battery, underscoring the severity of the allegations against him.

The Moon family has officially filed a police report and is urging for additional criminal charges against the coach. They have expressed that the incident has inflicted significant mental anguish on Michael. Michael's parents have stated that this event has profoundly damaged their trust in the school system and the coach involved (New York Post).

Jordan Vahdat, the family's attorney, has announced intent to pursue monetary damages from both the school and the coach. While the details of the claim have yet to be disclosed, Vahdat emphasized that it is crucial for the family to seek justice and accountability for Michael (USA Today).

At this time, the former coach's case has not been listed in public court records, and his name has not been released (USA Today). Ypsilanti Community Middle School and law enforcement are continuing their investigations. Superintendent Zachery-Ross assured the community that the district is taking the matter seriously and will implement necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future (Fox 2 Detroit).

This event has drawn attention to the safety protocols and behavioral standards at Ypsilanti Community Middle School. The community now watches closely as the legal proceedings unfold and further actions are taken to address these serious allegations.