O.C. wrestling coach allegedly punches, chokes student at practice
A Villa Park High School wrestling coach was arrested after he allegedly choked a student wrestler to the point of rendering him unconscious and then punched the teen several times in the head, authorities said.
Emmanuel Hugo Hernandez, 26, of Orange was arrested on suspicion of felony battery on a student and was being held on $100,000 bail, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Described as a “walk-on” wrestling coach, Hernandez allegedly grabbed the unidentified student during afternoon practice, placed him in an “unauthorized” choke hold until the student fell unconscious and then punched him several times in the head, causing “visible injury near the right ear,” the Sheriff’s Department said.
While the student was receiving medical aid, Hernandez reportedly left Villa Park High School and was arrested later at his home in nearby Orange.
The victim was hospitalized.
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