WICKLIFFE, Ohio — A Wickliffe teen was struck and killed by a car driven by his friend outside a Wickliffe bowling alley Saturday night.
Police say 17-year-old Anthony Noch was leaving Wickliffe Lanes on Euclid Avenue just before midnight when he was struck by a car driven by his friend, identified as 18-year-old Gary Reba.
Police say the incident was a result of "horseplay."
Investigation revealed that Reba and another teen left the bowling alley ahead of Noch, who remained inside to pay.
Reba moved the car from its original parking spot to trick Noch into having to look for it. When Noch exited the bowling alley and began searching for the car, Reba drove at him to startle him. Noch was hit by the driver's side corner of the car and fell, resulting in a serious head injury.
Noch was taken to Lake West Hospital and later transported to University Hospitals, where he died early Sunday.
Reba was arrested and charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle and aggravated vehicular homicide.
Police say Noch was a senior at Wickliffe High School.
The district released the following statement Monday morning:
"The entire Wickliffe Schools community is heart broken by the death of high school senior Anthony Noch. Anthony was a good student, a good friend, and a fine young man. We are all saddened by his untimely and tragic death. As a school district, we are providing support to students and staff in need. Our counseling staff and the community crisis team is on hand to provide assistance to all in need. Our sympathy and support is extended to Anthony’s family, friends, and all of those affected by his loss. At this time there is no memorial set. We will discuss those possibilities with students and the family in the coming days."
Police say there is no evidence that alcohol or drugs were involved.
The Wickliffe Police Department also tweeted a statement Monday: