2 Teens Arrested In Connection With Santa Monica High Fight

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) — Police asked prosecutors Monday to file charges against two students in connection with a wild fight between a teacher and a wrestling coach at Santa Monica High School that was caught on camera, according to authorities.

Santa Monica Police Sgt. Jay Moros said an 18-year-old student and a 16-year-old student have been arrested for alleged battery and other charges after the April 5 confrontation. It wasn't immediately clear what role the students allegedly played in the standoff.

Witnesses said the incident occurred Friday when an unidentified student was openly holding a bag of marijuana in class. When the teacher, who students identified as science teacher Mark Black, tried to confiscate it, the confrontation turned physical, according to witnesses.

Police said they are not releasing the name of the 18-year-old because he is a current student.

Black was placed on leave pending an ongoing investigation, according to Sandra Lyon, the superintendent of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

Moroso said detectives are seeking several charges against the 18-year-old student, including threatening a school official, battery against a school employee, and possession of marijuana on school grounds.

Detectives are also seeking a battery charge against the 16-year-old, Moroso said.

The 18-year-old is set to be arraigned Tuesday morning.

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