Man arrested after fight at high school football game

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. -- An East Prairie man was arrested over the weekend after an assault during the East Prairie High School football game.

James Casey Holman, 28, is charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and assault while on school property, both felonies that could call for up to 11 years in prison.

Holman also was cited for possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in the county jail.

Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore said the incident took place during halftime, when Holman assaulted another man as he walked down the aisle in front of the bleachers.

Deputy Cory Hutcheson noticed the assault and, with the help of several bystanders, separated the men. Hutcheson then placed Holman under arrest.

A short time later, Hutcheson and East Prairie school resource officer Lorrie Christian conducted interviews with several witnesses who corroborated the victim's account of the incident. Investigators learned the altercation had come dangerously close to several young children and caused them to become so frightened that some left the game in tears.

"EPHS athletic events are a source of great pride and entertainment for our community, and this type of behavior places fans in danger and distracts them from the purpose of the game," the sheriff said. "Fortunately, Deputy Hutcheson and those who helped him stopped the assault before anyone was badly injured."

Pertinent address:

East Prairie, Mo.