Ball State University police arrested two students Thursday evening after a fight in Irving Gym started because one man taunted another, police said.
According to the police report, seniors Izes Cross and Titus Austin were arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and resisting law enforcement. Cross also was arrested on suspicion of battery on a law enforcement officer. Cross was released on a $6,000 bond, and Austin was released on $3,500 Thursday evening.
Officers arrived at Irving Gym as Cross and Austin were fighting in the bleachers. According to police reports, Austin said Cross taunted him and then punched him. After officers arrived, the two men refused to stop fighting and police used force to separate and arrest the men.
An officer punched Austin five times on a nerve on Austin's leg and hit him in the neck to stun him, according to police reports. Police then yelled at him to stop fighting, and Austin stopped resisting, according to police reports.
Cross still had Austin in a headlock when Austin stopped fighting and would not let go until police hit Cross twice in the neck to stun him, according to police reports. He let go of Austin, but once he recovered from the stun, Cross shoved an officer, according to police reports.
The officer then forced Cross to the ground, and Cross kept resisting arrest on the ground, according to police reports. An officer then pulled out a taser, and Cross stopped resisting arrest after the taser was placed to the back of his head and was threatened to be tased, according to police reports.
Austin said he heard police yell at him to stop fighting but didn't, and Cross did not make any comments after his arrest, according to police reports.
Police said although both men suffered cuts and scratches, they refused treatment.
Both men were charged with class A and B misdemeanors.
According to the Indiana Code, a class A misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $5,000 fine. A Class B misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Police Sergeant Terrell Smith said at the scene one person was hospitalized, and it appeared there were two fights.
Director of Public Safety Gene Burton was unavailable for comment.
This story was produced in conjunction with NewsLink Indiana.
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