KINGWOOD — Charges against a Preston High student accused of hitting an assistant principal have been dropped to a misdemeanor.
James Delmus Metz, 18, of Tunnelton, was initially charged with felony malicious or unlawful battery after he allegedly hit Assistant Principal David Murray in the jaw.
On Thursday, prosecutors dropped the felony and recharged Metz with misdemeanor battery.
According to the original criminal complaint by Preston Sheriff’s Sgt. S.R. Mitter, Metz was being escorted to the PHS office by staff after he and his girlfriend were found in the hallway and told to go to class.
According to Mitter’s complaint, Metz told her, “Murray was running his mouth, so he punched Murray.” Metz was restrained by school staff until the deputy arrived to the Jan. 11 incident.
Initially it was thought that Murray’s jaw was broken. He went to Preston Memorial Hospital for treatment. The newest complaint says Metz hit Murray in the face and side.
No hearing date has been set. Metz has requested an attorney be appointed to represent him.
Twitter @DominionPostWV
KPlum@DominionPost.com
