REBECCA BLUE
Herald Staff Writer
MANATEE – A 17-year-old was arrested on charges that he shot at several
members, of a high school wrestling team, striking at least six members and leaving
“raised red marks on the student’s necks, faces and chests, “according to a
court document.
Zach R. Lechner, of the 900 block of 72nd Street N.W., was reportedly a
passenger in a white GMC Jimmy just after 3 p.m. Nov. 16 when he used a pellet
gun to shoot at members of the Manatee High School wrestling team as they jogged
during practice after school, according to a probable cause affidavit.
About 40 wrestlers were jogging the school’s perimeter at the time of the
shootings, according to Officer Nasario Camacho, of the Bradenton Police
Department.
The school’s wrestling coach, Andrew Gugliemini Jr., declined to comment when
contacted by The Herald Wednesday and asked that his wrestlers not be
contacted.
“This is a big misunderstanding, “Gugliemini. “Hopefully, it will all just go
away.”
Six of the wrestlers signed sworn complaints following the shootings,
agreeing to press charges against Lechner, who was identified by one of the
wrestlers. The other wrestlers were able to identify the Jimmy as the vehicle
Lechner was riding in, according to the affidavit.
The State Attorney’s Office recently decided to prosecute Lechner. He is
facing one second-degree felony count of possessing or discharging weapons or
firearms at a school sponsored event or on school property and six first-degree
misdemeanor counts of battery, according to court records.
Lechner was arrested last month on the charges and taken to the juvenile area
of the Manatee County Jail. He was released the next day after posting a
$15,000, bond, according to court records.
Lechner, who will be charged as an adult, is scheduled for a March 17
arraignment at the county courthouse, according to court records.
Rebecca Blue, criminal justice
Wrestling Gear
