Police: H.S. Track Coach Pulls Knife On Runners, Stabs Parent

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Police say a disagreement during a Mercer County high school's track practice ended with the coach stabbing a parent.

An assistant track and field coach at Sharon High School allegedly got into a confrontation with two of his runners during practice at a school just across the state line.

Police say during the disagreement, assistant coach George Thomas, 53, pulled a knife out on the students and pushed one.

Both Sharon and Brookfield School Districts have policies against weapons on school property.

"It was an automatic violation because he had a weapon," said Michael Calla, the acting Superintendent of the Sharon School District. "He had a knife on his person on Brookfield School District property."

Photo Credit: WKBN

After the students called their parents, the stepfather of one, 47-year-old Otis Hickson, showed up at the track and approached Thomas.

Police later arrived on scene to find Hickson bleeding from the chest and holding a brick. Police say Thomas had a knife.

Hickson claims he warned the district about Thomas.

"This should have never went this far. It should have been handled a long time ago," Hickson said.

Thomas is currently in the Trumbull County Jail in Warren, Ohio, on multiple charges, including felonious assault.

No one was available at Thomas's residence in Sharon.

Hickson was taken to the hospital and has since been released. He says the stab wound he suffered came within inches of his heart.

"I'm doing fine," said Hickson. "I'm a little in pain, but I'm doing fine."

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