SUMMIT TWP — A reform school student is accused of breaking the jaw of another student, authorities said.

The suspect, 20-year-old Zakee A. Goard, faces a hearing next week in the alleged attack in June at Summit Academy.

Goard, who is from the Philadelphia area, was arraigned last week on charges of felony and misdemeanor assault. He also is charged with summary disorderly conduct and harassment.

The defendant is free on his own recognizance and remains at the juvenile facility on Herman Road.

Police suspect Goard assaulted William Sharef Ellison while he was sleeping in his assigned room about 10:30 p.m. June 1.

Ellison told authorities that Goard punched him on the lower right side of his face around the jaw area. Following a hospital examination, Ellison was diagnosed with a closed fracture to his mandible.

The injury required surgery during which Ellison received metal plates and screws to treat his broken jaw.

During an interview with police, Goard admitted to the sneak attack after the two argued earlier that day.

He recounted that after the lights went out for the night, he asked to use the bathroom.

“Instead of going to the restroom,” according to a police affidavit, “he went to Ellison’s room and punched Ellison in the face.”

The alleged assault surprised David Baynes, a district supervisor at Summit Academy.

“Zakee has actually been a really good kid,” Baynes told the Butler Eagle on Wednesday. “He’s a great student and has had no behavioral problems here.”

Goard has been at the reform school for about nine months, Baynes said.

A preliminary hearing for Goard is set for Tuesday at District Judge Lewis Stoughton’s Chicora office.