Offensive lineman Alejandro “Alex” Almanzar, 21, was charged with aggravated assault in the early morning of March 26 after a fight broke out at the 50 block of Price Street where Thomas McKenzie, 19, of Downingtown, experienced a head injury. In addition to aggravated assault Almanzar was charged with simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. McKenzie was airlifted to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he was treated for a head injury and has since been released.
When police arrived to the scene they found McKenzie bleeding from the head, while Almanzar and another were fleeing the scene, according to the police affidavit of probable cause.
Once in custody Almanzar told police that after leaving a party on Price Street he and his friends were confronted by a group of men who were trying to pick a fight. Almanzar said that one of the men hit someone with a bottle, after which a fight broke out, according to the affidavit.
Almanzar told police that he threw McKenzie to the ground and then fell on top of him. When McKenzie attempted to get up three times, Almanzar pulled McKenzie by his belt forcing him to fall to the ground. After the third fall McKenzie did not get up, Almanzar told police.
After posting 10 percent of $20,000 bail Almanzar was released from police custody. Almanzar has been interimly suspended from the University and was removed from his housing in Tyson Hall, according to Loretta MacAlpine, director of public relations.
Following his preliminary hearing, scheduled for May 4, a campus judiciary hearing will be held for Almanzar, which will determine his future at West Chester University.
In response to this incident MacAlpine said, “The University is disappointed that students choose to behave in this manner. We try our best to educate…educate what it means to be part of a civil community.”
The WCU Football Media Guide for 2003 described Almanzar as, “a strong offensive lineman…slated to be the team’s number one left tackle…will be a key cog in helping the Golden Rams reload along the offensive line.”