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Charges Requested In Videotaped High School Beating

HARTLAND TWP. (WWJ/AP) - The Livingston County Sheriff's Department has requested charges in an attack on a high school student that was recorded on video and posted online.

Sheriff Bob Bezotte said the department is seeking an assault and battery charge against the 14-year-old attacker. He said the case would be handled in juvenile court.

The fight took place March 12 at Hartland High School. The video shows one female student arguing with another before grabbing her from behind by the hair, pulling her to the ground and punching her before an adult breaks up the attack. The victim, also 14-years-old, reportedly suffered a broken nose and concussion in the attack.

Bezotte said the girls started arguing in the classroom when the victim "made fun" of a personal situation the suspect was discussing with another friend. He said the argument escalated into violence when the girls got into the hallway.

"The victim overheard the conversation and made fun of the situation, which was offensive to the suspect," Bezotte told The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus.

The department isn't seeking charges against a male student who recorded the fight and posted video on Facebook.

"I don't think it was preplanned," Bezotte said. "The student saw the two (female students) arguing, and he pulled out his smart phone. It was spontaneous."

The prosecutor's office is to review the case.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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