Video shows man body-slamming woman during basketball game

Holly Hill police charge man with aggravated battery

HOLLY HILL, Fla. – Holly Hill police arrested a man they say was caught on video slamming a female teacher to the ground during a basketball game.

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Travis Mims, 27, was arrested on charges of aggravated battery in the Tuesday night incident at Holly Hill School. Mims works at the school as a campus adviser.

Katherine Martin, 33, told police on Wednesday that during the game, which involved students and other teachers, Mims continually fouled her and was becoming increasingly aggressive, according to the report.

Martin and Mims had a verbal confrontation and returned to playing the game. Police said that when Martin tried to push away from Mims to get open for a pass, Mims grabbed her, lifted her off the floor and slammed her onto the court.

"That's above and beyond," Holly Hill Police Chief Stephen Aldrich said. "He picks her up, and he just turns her over and drops her on the floor from probably 5 (or) 6 feet in the air. So she hit real hard."

Video captured the incident, which resulted in Martin seeking medical treatment and suffering substantial injuries. School officials said other adults had to force Mims off the woman and off the court.

"In our view, it was intentional," said Aldrich. "There's certain things you don't do even when you're playing ball."

Police said Martin's head struck the ground first. She has a cracked rib, several bruises and was bleeding from her head.

Mims was arrested at 5 p.m. Wednesday and his bond was set for $2,500. Only Local 6 News was there when police hauled Mims off to jail.

"Do you feel sorry for what you did?" Local 6's Shaun Chaiyabhat asked Mims.

"Yes," said Mims.

"What do you have to say to her?" asked Chaiyabhat.

"I'm sorry," Mims told Local 6.

The woman drove herself to the hospital, and police said she's doing OK but is very sore.

Mims no longer works for Holly Hill School since the incident.

Martin told Local 6 that she played basketball in college and played with Mims several days a week.

Martin said Mims recently asked her to be his assistant basketball coach, as he was the school's basketball coach, and she considered him a friend.

She believes Mims must have snapped and was shocked he took it as far as he did.

Martin said she has asked to be transferred to a different school because Mims' fiance works at the school.

Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.


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