Iowa City High student faces assault charges after fight at school

Iowa City High School student Todd Turner faces a charge of assault causing bodily injury after repeatedly punching a fellow student that had reportedly asked Turner's prospective prom date to go with him instead.

The confrontation, which began in the school's common area prior to the start of classes on Monday, occurred after Turner, 18, of Iowa City, approached the victim, said a few words, then threw a punch that knocked the victim to the floor. Turner then continued to hit the victim while he was down, according to reports.

Although the school had hall supervisors in the area, two male students that were closest to Turner and his victim  “stepped in to do the right thing” to break up the fight, Iowa City High School Principal John Bacon said. Neither were injured.

Police reports indicate that the victim, whose name and age was not released, suffered redness, bruising, and pain on the right side of his face. The student has since returned to classes.

A varsity football player for the Little Hawks during the 2010 season,  Turner was awarded the “Hitman” award for being one of the team's most physical players. According to Bacon, Turner did not behave in a physical nature in school when off the field.

“[Turner] is a quality young man who let his emotions get the best of him," Bacon said. ”He made a very poor choice and will have to face the consequences.”

Iowa City High School, which has a zero-tolerance policy for students that have “physical contact in a confrontational manner with a student or school employee,” has an automatic suspension policy. According to the school handbook, expulsion may also occur in some cases. Bacon declined to comment on what type of punishment Turner will receive.