Posted 4:27 pm Wednesday, April 25, 2012
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2 TJC Basketball Players Face Assault Charges
By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer
A Tyler Junior College student is recovering from injuries sustained in a beating perpetrated by two of the school’s basketball team’s players and several other students, campus officials said.
Fred Peters, TJC director of marketing and public affairs, said a fight broke out about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday between the Claridge and Sledge residence hall in which Austin Mansell, 19, of Royse City was beaten by several students.
Peters said TJC Campus Safety officers broke up the fight and summoned an ambulance for Mansell, who was transported to East Texas Medical Center, where he was treated and released for facial and head injuries.
“As a result of the investigation, two TJC students were arrested and charged with aggravated assault with bodily injury. They were taken into custody and booked into Smith County Jail.
Tyler Brunson, 19 of Tucker, Ga., and Alton Tanner, 20, of Katy, were arrested at the scene. Both freshmen students had been members of the 2011-12 men’s basketball team.
Campus Safety Chief Randy Melton said the charges were elevated to aggravated assault due to the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim.
Peters said both students have been suspended from TJC and all college activities and organizations. Campus safety officials continues to investigate.
Peters said that other individuals may be disciplined and other charges are possible.
“The early results of our investigation are that there were a number of students involved in the fight. We are continuing to talk to witnesses and those who may have been involved and will move forward with charges or disciplinary actions if they are necessary,” he said.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Tim Drain said the issue is being taken very seriously.
“Regardless of involvement in athletics or other student groups, students of TJC are expected to honor the Apache Creed and behave in a civil manner, on campus and off,” said Drain. “We have worked hard the past two years to improve campus civility and provide a safe and orderly environment. We take these issues seriously and have high expectations of all students.”
Updated Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 4:27 p.m. CDT
Staff Writer
A Tyler Junior College student is recovering from injuries sustained in a beating perpetrated by two of the school’s basketball team’s players and several other students, campus officials said.
Fred Peters, TJC director of marketing and public affairs, said a fight broke out about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday between the Claridge and Sledge residence hall in which Austin Mansell, 19, of Royse City was beaten by several students.
Peters said TJC Campus Safety officers broke up the fight and summoned an ambulance for Mansell, who was transported to East Texas Medical Center, where he was treated and released for facial and head injuries.
“As a result of the investigation, two TJC students were arrested and charged with aggravated assault with bodily injury. They were taken into custody and booked into Smith County Jail.
Tyler Brunson, 19 of Tucker, Ga., and Alton Tanner, 20, of Katy, were arrested at the scene. Both freshmen students had been members of the 2011-12 men’s basketball team.
Campus Safety Chief Randy Melton said the charges were elevated to aggravated assault due to the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim.
Peters said both students have been suspended from TJC and all college activities and organizations. Campus safety officials continues to investigate.
Peters said that other individuals may be disciplined and other charges are possible.
“The early results of our investigation are that there were a number of students involved in the fight. We are continuing to talk to witnesses and those who may have been involved and will move forward with charges or disciplinary actions if they are necessary,” he said.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Tim Drain said the issue is being taken very seriously.
“Regardless of involvement in athletics or other student groups, students of TJC are expected to honor the Apache Creed and behave in a civil manner, on campus and off,” said Drain. “We have worked hard the past two years to improve campus civility and provide a safe and orderly environment. We take these issues seriously and have high expectations of all students.”
Updated Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 4:27 p.m. CDT
