Cassville coach faces felony assault charges

A Cassville assistant football and wrestling coach was arrested on Friday night after an argument allegedly turned violent.

Benjamin Glidewell, 42, of Cassville, is charged with second- degree domestic assault, third-degree domestic assault and abuse of a child.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Deputy Kyle Burbridge, with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, officers were dispatched to a home in the 19000 area of Highway 37 at 11:28 p.m. in reference to a domestic disturbance.

Upon arrival, Burbridge was informed Glidewell and his wife had come home from a social outing and had an argument. Two minors were present in the home at the time.

The first minor told Burbridge Glidewell had slapped that minor’s face, knocked the child to the ground and proceeded to violently choke the child.

Burbridge said the second minor overheard the argument, and Glidewell’s wife went into the child’s room and informed the child of Glidwell’s actions.

The minor was trying to keep the adults separated when, as a result, Glidewell allegedly “delivered a violent strike” to the child’s face. Moments later, that child allegedly witnessed Glidewell pulling the other minor’s hair and choking the other minor.

Burbridge said the child then intervened by tackling Glidewell, at which time Glidewell allegedly struck the child in the face a second time.

Burbridge said he observed swelling around the child’s right eye and additional red marks around the cheek area.

Burbridge also said the victims fear future encounters with Glidewell, whom they said becomes more violent after consuming alcohol, and such events have been recurring for several months.

Glidewell was released from the Barry County jail on Monday on a cash-only bond of $40,000. He has been arraigned, and a bond appearance hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 a.m. in the courtroom of Judge Robert Foulke.

Merlyn Johnson, Cassville superintendent, said the district is aware of the charges.

“The school district was made aware of the situation over the weekend and has taken steps to ensure that a substitute teacher is in place to support student learning,” he said. “Given this is a personnel matter, the school district cannot speak to the specifics of the situation. I can affirm that there policies and state laws that guide our actions in these types of situations. We will ensure compliance with those policies and laws while ensuring that classroom instruction continues.”

Glidewell teaches American history, world history and weights at Cassville High School, and he is an assistant coach for the football and wrestling teams.

5 Comments

  1. The guy is unfit to teach or mentor anyone in a a school or other setting at this time.He definitely needs help and guidance

  2. “ The guy is unfit to teach or mentor anyone in a a school or other setting at this time”… – He always has been. This guy is, always has been, and always will be a total clown.

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