ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Video posted online shows Howard High School staffers restraining a student on the floor and punching him in the head.
The video shows three adults, an administrator dressed in a suit, and two others in uniforms, holding down a student on the floor of the cafeteria. One of the adults in a uniform punches the student in the head twice and holds on to his hair while the other adult appears to restrain his arms. The second adult in a uniform, with the words “police” lettered on the back, is holding the student’s feet.
According to Howard County police spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn, the adults intervened after the student reportedly assaulted several other students in the cafeteria. Llewellyn also confirmed that the adult who held down the student’s feet is a county police officer assigned to the high school, although he was not involved in hitting the pupil.
Howard County Schools Superintendent Michael J. Martirano issued a statement saying administrators are “working alongside staff and Howard County Police to better understand all of the circumstances. Videos, rumors, and conversations have been occurring throughout our community and many people are understandably upset.” — and asked for the cooperation of students, families and staff as the school system investigates and responds to the fight.
The investigation is ongoing.