An Oliver Springs man is facing an assault charge after he put a basketball referee in a headlock following a disagreement over a call on Saturday afternoon. A warrant was issued for Jerry Crass, 54, on charges of assault and disorderly conduct after an incident during a basketball game at Grace Christian Academy.

School officials stated that while the event took place at Grace Christian, it did not involve teams or athletes from Grace Christian Academy or Grace Baptist Church. The school rented out the space to allow others to stage the event, according to a spokesperson for Grace Christian.
According to the arrest warrant, officers were called to the gym around 1:18 p.m. on Saturday for a report of an assault. Officers met with a referee who said one of the other referees was assaulted by an away team parent, later identified as Crass.

On Monday, police identified Crass as the suspect, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office stated that Crass later turned himself in and was released on bond. He is scheduled for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. on April 8.