BELLINGHAM - A 16-year-old Bellingham High School student told police he "just snapped" when he grabbed one of his peers by the throat and started punching him in the face Wednesday morning, Sept. 5.

The teen was in a fourth period class when he got out of his seat and, without warning, grabbed a 17-year-old student by the throat, said Bellingham police spokesman Mark Young.

According to police, he lifted the victim from his chair, threw him against a wall and took him to the ground. Then, with one hand still wrapped around the student's throat, he punched him in the face again and again. In all, the assault last about 20 seconds.

Police determined the boys had "exchanged insults" on Tuesday - the first day of school - but had not spoken since, Young said, adding that he didn't know what the grudge was about.

An ambulance was sent to the scene, but the victim did not need to be taken to a hospital, said Bellingham School District spokeswoman Tanya Rowe. He was released to his parents and went home for the day.

The alleged attacker was arrested and booked into juvenile detention on investigation of assault in the second degree. He's expelled from the school. If he wants to attend in the future, he'll have to go through a hearing process.

Reach CALEB HUTTON at caleb.hutton@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2276.