By Jacob Mathias

A Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School student is charged with child abuse after an alleged fight in school hallways.

DeJohn Nash, 16, is charged with physical abuse of a child to intentionally cause bodily harm, a class H felony which if convicted carries a maximum sentence of up to six years imprisonment, or a $10,000 fine or both. He is also charged with felony bail jumping, also a class H felony with the same maximum sentence. A charge of substantial battery has also been made against Nash, a class I felony with a maximum sentence of up to three years, six months imprisonment, or a $10,000 fine or both.

According to court documents, at 7:37 AM on October 6, a Wisconsin Rapids Police officer responded to a disturbance at Lincoln High School. Upon entering the school, the officer heard loud yelling and saw Nash holding a 16-year-old male student by the front of shirt and then throw him down a three step staircase.

Nash reportedly then picked up the victim with his left hand and swung with his right, striking the victim in the mouth. The criminal complaint said Nash pulled his fist back to attempt another punch but at this time the officer and school principal intervened.

It was reported that the incident occurred because of an argument regarding Nash’s girlfriend. Threats were made by Nash over Facebook before he waited at school for the victim to arrive.

The victim reported that Nash split his lip and he needed stitches and would also require plastic surgery to correct the damage.

As a result of the fight, the school was put under a code yellow lockdown in order to clear the students and staff from the hallways, disrupting the schedule of all involved.

At the time of the fight, Nash was free on a signature bond issued on July 21 after he was charged with driving a vehicle without the consent of the owner. The terms of the bond require that Nash commit no further crimes and as a result this most recent charge includes felony bail jumping.

Nash is currently free on a $2,500 signature bond and is to have no contact with the victim or girlfriend unless in a school setting.