Victim allegedly threatened with stabbing

A redshirt freshman football player on Tabor College’s fall roster was arrested by Hillsboro police Saturday on suspicion of robbery and battery related to an altercation that took place in an alley near Hillsboro High School.

Antonio E. Mitchell of Murrieta, California, was taken into custody after police investigated a report of an alleged confrontation that happened at 10:45 p.m. Saturday in an alley in the 100 block of S. Adams St.

According to officer Randal Brazil’s report, Ryan Stepanek, 18, Hillsboro, and Mitchell were walking in the alley when Mitchell allegedly hit Stepanek and threatened to stab him if he did not give him money. Stepanek reportedly handed over his wallet. Brazil listed its contents as a driver’s license and a membership card.

Brazil reported use of a “personal weapon,” meaning a fist, foot, or other body part, but the report does not indicate a knife was actually used.

The newspaper checked the Tabor football team roster on the college website Tuesday, and no listing was found for Antonio Mitchell. However, an Antonio Mitchell of Murrieta, California, was listed as a Tabor College redshirt freshman defensive back in a roster published online Sept. 14 by the Newton Kansan prior to the Bethel – Tabor football game.

Asked via email to confirm that Mitchell was a Tabor student and football player and if he had been dismissed or suspended from the team, college communications director Amy Doane declined to answer.

“Tabor College does not comment on specific disciplinary matters or pending legal actions of individuals,” Doane wrote. “The college addresses all potential discipline issues in accordance with our policy.”