Buckeye school resource officer has been placed on leave for assaulting a teenager

BUCKEYE, AZ (AZFamily) — A Verrado High School employee has been placed on leave after allegedly assaulting a teenager in Goodyear over the weekend, according to Buckeye police.

Court documents obtained by the Arizona family say 43-year-old David Ellison was booked into prison on assault and disorderly conduct charges after a fight broke out at his Goodyear home.

Arrest documents show Goodyear police responded to a 911 call about 11:15 p.m. Monday about someone needing help who then hung up. Police called back and the teenager, who Arizona's family is not naming to protect the victim, said he was hit in the face and was bleeding from his nose and mouth.

Officers arrived and found the victim, who police said was not a student, on the front patio with a nosebleed. Ellison was standing in the driveway with apparent injuries to his left arm and was drunk, police said.

The victim said Ellison showed up drunk and they both had an argument that escalated. Eventually, the victim said Ellison became agitated and approached the victim until they were “chest to chest touching.” Court documents detailed how the fight continued to escalate.

Moments later, the victim reportedly struck Ellison's truck. At that point, Ellison said he would “kill” the victim if he touched her again.

The situation continued as Ellison reportedly told the victim that they could fight if they wanted to fight and “mocked” her. When the victim tried to walk past, Ellison allegedly pushed her and then struck him two or three times in the neck and face with his clenched fist, police said.

According to court documents, the victim suffered a cut to his left elbow and had redness to his chest and neck area. A witness told police he heard the victim say “I can't breathe” about three times during the ordeal.

Ellison reportedly chose not to speak to investigators about the incident. He was booked into the Maricopa County Jail and released on his own recognizance.

Buckeye Police confirmed that Ellison is on administrative leave while an investigation into his conduct continues.

According to a 2022 news release from the City of Buckeye, the officer was previously honored for his contributions to Verrado High. At that time, officials announced his induction into the Agua Fria Union High School District Hall of Fame.

“Police officers, particularly those responsible for the safety and well-being of students, must maintain the highest standards. “The Buckeye Police Department is committed to transparency throughout this process,” Buckeye Police spokeswoman Carissa Planalp said in a prepared statement.

Ellison's next court date is scheduled for Nov. 12 at Goodyear Municipal Court.

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