By SALINA POST
Salina Police Department officers arrested a 21-year-old man Tuesday evening after he allegedly assaulted an 11-year-old boy during a recreational basketball game at Oakdale Elementary School’s playground.
According to Salina Police Capt. James Feldman, officers were dispatched to 811 E. Iron Ave. at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Feb. 25 for a report of a battery. Upon arrival, officers made contact with two 11-year-old boys and a 12-year-old boy.
The juveniles reported they had been playing basketball with a man later identified as River Norberg, 21. During the game, an exchange of “trash talk” escalated, and Norberg allegedly tackled one of the 11-year-olds, putting him in a chokehold that restricted his breathing. A 12-year-old boy intervened and pulled Norberg off the victim, but Norberg allegedly attacked the 11-year-old again, placing him in another chokehold.
The 11-year-old also sustained a scratch above his right eye and reported that Norberg struck him several times on the top of his head. The other two juveniles managed to pull Norberg off the victim before he fled the scene, according to police.
Salina Post is working to verify the nature of the relationship between the juveniles and Norberg.
Officers located Norberg several blocks away and took him into custody without incident. He was booked into jail on a charge of aggravated battery.
The juveniles were released to their parents.