College Student Charged with Battery After Allegedly Attacking Runner During Race

A University of Georgia student has been charged with battery after allegedly disguising himself as a high school runner to attack an acquaintance during a cross-country race.

Aiden Dombrowski, 19, is accused of infiltrating the Coweta Cup Cross Country Championship at Newnan High School on Saturday by posing as a runner from East Coweta High School, according to the Newnan Police Department.

Dombrowski reportedly drove from Athens, Georgia, to Newnan the night before the race and slept in his car. When the event began, he donned the East Coweta High School uniform and waited in the woods for his target, an unidentified runner from Newnan High School, to pass.

Witnesses told police that Dombrowski, who was seen holding rocks, pushed the victim and struck him with his fists. The victim fought back, causing Dombrowski to flee the course and head back into the woods.

During his escape, Dombrowski changed out of the uniform and into another school's tracksuit before surrendering to police. In body camera footage of his arrest, Dombrowski claimed the incident was a prank and denied having any animosity towards the victim, whom he described as an "acquaintance."

Dombrowski appeared bloodied in his mugshot, with a gash near his right eye, which he sustained during the alleged assault. Police stated that Dombrowski was not a student at East Coweta High School and did not explain how he obtained the uniform.

Prior to attending the University of Georgia, Dombrowski competed at Northgate High School. He does not appear on the University of Georgia's cross-country or track team rosters.