River Ridge Student Charged With Battery Following School Fight

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — The Pasco County Sheriff's Office has arrested an 17-year-old River Ridge High School after he was accused of taking part in a fight at the school on Wednesday.

Deputies said the 17-year-old got into a fight with a younger student.

Deputies say both students threw punches. After the younger student was unconscious on the ground, deputies said the 17-year-old got on top of him and hit him several more times and then stomped on his head.

The younger student sustained a severe head injury and was airlifted to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa.

The 17-year-old has been charged with felony battery. A charge of misdemeanor battery for the other student has been referred to the Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney's Office.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Pasco Sheriff's Office will have additional law enforcement presence at River Ridge High School, 11646 Town Center Road, Thursday.