Teen in assault case to undergo evaluation

LEETONIA -- Magistrate Charles Fitzpatrick has ordered a psychological evaluation on a 16-year-old boy charged with felonious assault.
Dane Walton, Columbiana County Juvenile Court director, said Fitzpatrick entered a plea of innocent on behalf of the boy Monday because the Leetonia High School student does not yet have an attorney.
Walton said the boy will appear in juvenile court at 8:15 a.m. Jan. 3.
Leetonia police filed the felonious assault charges against the 16-year-old in an assault on Nicholas Aratari, 14 of Leetonia, who is also a Leetonia High School student.
Nicholas' father, Joel Aratari, said today that his son was released Friday afternoon from Salem Community Hospital and is recovering at home.
Police said the assault occurred Dec. 10 in the boys locker room at the conclusion of a gym class. Police said Nicholas was badly beaten and nearly unconscious.