GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI. On October 14, at approximately 6:50 p.m., troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Traverse City Post responded to 1001 Meyer Road in Garfield Township for an alleged assault that occurred at the Traverse Bay Area Youth Soccer Fieldbetween Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) referee, Randall Smith, and a 16-year-oldjuvenile.
The initial investigation indicated that Smith (64) was running on the sidelines officiating the game, when he tripped over the juvenile who was standing in front of the bench. Smith then allegedly raised his flag indicating a penalty, grabbed the juvenile by the shirt and pushed him over the bench. Troopers submitted their report, along with other evidence, to the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s Office.
Smith was charged with one count of Assault and Batteryand arrested on October 28. Smith arraigned in the 86thDistrict Court in Grand Traverse County on November 13.His next court appearance is on December 4 at 9:30 a.m.
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