Youth football coach suspected of striking, seriously injuring Murrieta boy

A 50-year-old youth football coach suspected of striking and seriously injuring a boy from another team during a game in Murrieta was out of custody today on a $35,000 bond.

The coach was arrested and booked into the Byrd Detention Center Saturday on suspicion of child abuse and battery. He posted bail Sunday and was released from the Murrieta jail.

According to the Murrieta Police Department, the suspect was coaching players from a team in a recreational youth football league not associated with the area school district.

His team and another were using the field at Vista Murrieta High School on Clinton Keith Road on Saturday when the coach became incensed for unspecified reasons and punched a 14-year-old player on the opposing team, police alleged.

"The victim sustained an injury to his eye and exhibited symptoms of a concussion,'' agency spokeswoman Dominique Samario said.   

The incident triggered a quasi brawl involving "the two teams' players, coaches and parents,'' Samario said.

Patrol officers were called to the location and discovered tensions had settled to the extent that they were able to investigate, culminating in the suspect being taken into custody without incident.

The injured boy was apparently taken to a hospital for treatment. His condition Tuesday could not be confirmed.   

Anyone with information was asked to contact investigators at 951-304-2677.