A high school student-athlete in the East Bay has been accused of sexually assaulting an opposing player during a water polo game, according to the Alameda Police Department.
The alleged assault happened in the Encinal High School pool in Alameda in broad daylight on Oct. 6 during a match between Encinal and Berkeley High.
Police said there were accusations from multiple Encinal students that a player from Berkeley was behaving inappropriately in the water. The students brought their concerns to the athletic director and principal at Encinal.
Witness statements then were given to the Alameda Police Department, which initially opened an investigation but then closed it after the alleged victim and his parents decided not to pursue the matter.
No arrests were made, and no names were being released because all the students involved are minors. It's not clear how many students are involved, police said.
Charles Burress, spokesman for the Berkeley Unified High School District, said the allegations are not being taken lightly.
"We take good sportsmanship and behavior seriously but cannot comment on any specific case of student discipline," he said.
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In California, sexual assault is defined as the unwanted touching of another person's intimate parts, which are defined as "sexual organ, anus, groin or buttocks ... and the breasts of a female."
Last year, a 15-year-old boy from Acalanes High in Lafayette broke the nose of an opponent during a water polo game and was charged with felony assault and battery.
Burress said more information on the incident may be released Tuesday.
