| An 18-year-old Country Lanes, Mt. Zion youth appeared in Calhoun Magistrate Court Wednesday after being arrested January 29 following an incident at Calhoun Middle-High School.
State Trooper B. K. Shingleton arrested Austin L. Bailey after he physically assaulted a 16-year-old male student, according to a criminal complaint, the victim is reportedly autistic.
The incident was reportedly recorded by video.
Bailey was in Central Regional Jail charged with battery, but has been released.
The victim was taken to Minnie Hamilton Health System and was treated for a dislocated shoulder and bleeding from the nose.
Calhoun Superintendent of Schools Tim Woodward said, "I am sorry I can't confirm or deny student discipline matters. However, if battery was committed we would suspend and report to State Police per WV State Code."
The investigating officer said the problem started earlier in the day when the victim says he was standing in a doorway of a classroom with friends, saying Bailey walked by him to enter the classroom, verbalizing "Get out of the way."
The complaint says the victim asked Bailey what the problem was, after which words were exchanged, and the individuals were separated by a school employee.
During a class later in the day, Bailey and the victim were asked to pair-up for a project, both declining.
The complaint then says Bailey began an exchange of words, punching the victim in the face and head and knocking him to the ground.
Bailey was then encountered by Asst. Principal Curtis Garretson, escorting him to the office, and the victim was taken to the hospital.
Trooper Shingleton interviewed Bailey, saying Bailey described the same story as the victim, indicating that Bailey had "busted, bloody knuckles."
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