1 teen in court for Franklin HS sucker punch

WRENTHAM, Mass. (WHDH) -- A local teenager turned himself into police after being accused of punching another student at Franklin High School.

On Monday, David Salmon, 17, pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault and battery in connection with a hallway assault on another student. The incident was videotaped and posted online by another student.

Authorities say Salmon hit 18-year-old Cory Pingeton, which sent him to the hospital. Officials said the attack had been planned by Salmon and another student, who police say admitted to filming the incident with his iPod touch and posting it on his Twitter account.

Pingeton’s attorney says Salmon has bullied his client in the past.

“About three weeks -- 3.5 weeks -- ago Salmon came after my client and was in a car. Tried to get him out of the car and threatened to beat him up,” said Pingeton’s lawyer.

The prosecutor said she expects charges will be filed against the student who shot the video. Police said the questioned another individual, who can be seen standing in the hallway to the left of the victim in the video. No other charges have been filed against him.

Salmon did not comment as he left court. He posted $1,500 cash bail. Salmon will return to court on June 26.

“My client was given some information. He acted on that information. Clearly he didn’t act appropriately given the video, given the circumstances,” said John Gibbons, Salmon’s attorney.

Salmon has been suspended from school. He was ordered by the court to stay away from the school and Pingeton, pending the outcome of the case.