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A volunteer lacrosse coach and Eastern Lancaster County School Board member is expected to resign following allegations that he struck a student athlete with a lacrosse stick, causing a concussion.
Bryan Naranjo, 45, was initially cited by West Earl Township Police for harassment after allegedly pushing a Garden Spot High School lacrosse player and hitting him in the back of the helmet with a lacrosse stick during a practice on January 28, 2026. The incident was reportedly captured on school security cameras.
According to local news reports, the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office has withdrawn the summary harassment charge "pending further evaluation regarding the grading of the offense." Officials are now considering refiling the case as either a misdemeanor or felony.
During a school board meeting on Monday, board president Jonathan Dahl announced that Naranjo had agreed to resign from his position. The resignation will be formally included in the agenda at the next board meeting scheduled for February 23.
"Our focus remains on maintaining a safe, supportive learning environment while ensuring that situations like this are handled thoughtfully, professionally, and in accordance with the law," Dahl stated at the meeting.
The mother of the injured student, Tabatha Bender, addressed the board during public comments, describing the incident as an "abuse of authority that caused my child physical harm and emotional distress."
"My son attended practice that night expecting guidance, safety and support—not fear," Bender said. "Watching a video of this incident was devastating."
Bender told LancasterOnline that her son was diagnosed with a concussion and has experienced ringing in his head, pain, and difficulty driving at night or using a computer. She described the blow as "a full blow to the back of the head," noting that red paint from the lacrosse stick transferred to her son's helmet.
The student's sister also spoke at the meeting, questioning why the incident was classified as harassment rather than assault. "If an object is used to strike a student, is it not considered assault? Should a lacrosse stick, when used as a weapon, not be treated as one?" she asked.
Naranjo, who has served on the Elanco board since 2015 and was recently re-elected in 2025, was not present at Monday's meeting. He has been removed from his volunteer coaching position with the lacrosse team.