AMBRIDGE (KDKA) – Two students were taken to Sewickley Hospital with facial and head injuries after police say they were assaulted at Ambridge High School, over an alleged swastika drawn on artwork.

Ambridge Police said an African-American female student discovered a swastika on her artwork yesterday. She allegedly pointed out two white males as being behind the drawing, according to police.

The artwork and discovery of the swastika took place at the Beaver County Career and Technology Center, where some Abridge students spend part of their day.

When those students were transported back to Ambridge High School shortly after noon, police say at least three African-American males confronted the two white males and began physically assaulting them.

Police say 18-year-old Zachary Priest was charged with harassment, simple assault, and reckless endangerment.

Another 18-year-old student will also be charged, along with a 17-year-old who will be processed through the juvenile system.

A female student will also face criminal mischief charges for breaking one of the victim’s cell phones.

Ambridge Police School Reinforcement Officer Jerel Smith said those four students have been suspended and the investigation is ongoing into the involvement of any other students.

Officer Smith also mentioned that there is no evidence pointing to who drew the swastika.

“It was seen by the student, but we don’t have anyone that’s identified as writing it there,” Officer Smith said.

KDKA-TV also reached out to the Beaver County Career and Technology Center where the swastika incident allegedly happened, but were told by an administrator that this is now a police matter and that there was a faculty meeting to brief everyone on the incident.

Police are reviewing surveillance cameras and Superintendent Dr. Erv Weischedel said that additional officers were at the high school this morning for student arrival.

A letter will go home to parents explaining the matter today.

RELATED LINKS

More Local News
More Ambridge News
More Reports From Heather Abraham