Former Palmer Ridge High Wrestling Coach Arrested on Suspicion of Sexual Assault
Michael Vassar, a former wrestling coach at Palmer Ridge High School in Colorado Springs, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on a child. He is accused of repeatedly inappropriately touching a student athlete on school wrestling mats and…
Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, September 29, 2026 —
Michael Vassar, a former wrestling coach at Palmer Ridge High School, was arrested in Colorado Springs on suspicion of sexual assault on a child. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest following an investigation prompted by a tip.
According to officials, Vassar is accused of inappropriately touching a student athlete on multiple occasions while on school wrestling mats. The allegations also include other concerning behavior directed towards the student. Specific details regarding the timeline and the full scope of the alleged concerning behavior were not immediately provided.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation after receiving information that led to Vassar’s apprehension. Further details regarding the nature of the tip or the investigation’s timeline remain under wraps as the case proceeds. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has not released further information regarding the investigation.
Palmer Ridge High School is part of the Lewis-Palmer School District 38. Information regarding Vassar’s tenure as a coach at the school was not immediately available. School district officials have not yet released a statement concerning the arrest or the alleged incidents.
The investigation by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing. Authorities have not disclosed the specific charges Vassar faces beyond the initial suspicion of sexual assault on a child.
Story summarized from the original created by Cleo Westin on gazette.com, see more information here.
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