AUGUSTA – A teenager who allegedly stabbed a fellow student during a fight last week at Cony High School is being held in a juvenile facility on a charge of aggravated assault.

Damion Fincher, 16, who was arrested Tuesday at his father’s home in Bath, is accused of stabbing Michael Swift five times with a small pocket knife Feb. 9 in a crowded hallway as students were making their way to their homerooms.

District Attorney Evert Fowle said prosecutors believe they can prove that Fincher used excessive force in defending himself against the bigger Swift. Students said Swift had Fincher in a headlock and was getting the best of the fight.

The two students, both sophomores, were treated at hospitals in Augusta and Lewiston.

Fincher was being held at Mountain View Juvenile Facility in Charleston while awaiting a hearing Thursday in Augusta District Court.

An aggravated assault charge against an adult is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Fowle said he was not at liberty to talk about any charges against Swift because Maine law prevents him from discussing juvenile charges not outlined in a felony petition.

However, the Augusta Police Department said in a news release that the other male participant in the fight has been charged with assault.

Despite allegations by parents and students that Fincher was part of a gang that threatens and harasses other Cony students, police said an investigation turned up no evidence that the fight stemmed from gang activity.

Detective Sgt. J. Chris Read said it was still not clear what prompted the fight.

“It had been brewing for a while. The students knew that something was going to happen, but they didn’t know exactly when,” he said.