Galesburg High School’s head football coach was arrested Tuesday night on charges of Domestic Battery.
Galesburg Police responded to Derrek Blackwell’s Maple Avenue residence after a report of domestic physical violence, according to police reports.
The victim told police that Blackwell, 39, pushed her, causing her knee to be scraped and leaving a mark on the left side of her face, which officers could observe.
According to the police report, Blackwell said he never touched the woman, although admitted there was an argument.
The couple’s son was home at the time of the incident and told police he heard arguing from upstairs.
Blackwell was hired as the Streaks head football coach in June of 2021, and also works as a school safety and security officer at Galesburg High School.
District 205 Superintendent of Schools John Asplund declined comment on the incident at this time.
Blackwell was released from custody after being given a Notice to Appear in court, according to court officials. Domestic Battery is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable if convicted by up to 364 days in the county jail, and a $2,500 fine.
