In a statement Friday, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District said the incident occurred on campus and after school, prompting an immediate response from a school resource officer and paramedics.
The extent of the hospitalized student's injuries were not disclosed.
"It was kind of scary. Everyone was around," said student Dutch Dale, who witnessed the altercation. "He kind of just grabbed him and then, like, suplexed him and dropped him and threw him down and he landed on the back of his head."
"He's one of my good friends," Dutch added. "It's kind of disappointing."
A spokesperson for the Newport Beach Police Department confirmed that a 14-year-old was taken into custody on suspicion of battery with intent to cause great bodily harm. His name was not disclosed due to his age.
However, students at the school are not surprised by the incident and say the student in question has a history of violence at the school.
"He'd come up to you and grab your backpack and throw you to the ground and everything," Dale said.
Annette Franco, the school district's spokesperson, said to her knowledge, campus staff were not aware of such behavioral issues from the arrested student.
A bystander's photo from the scene showed the boy with his hands behind his back after being detained by two police officers.
The school district's statement said it was "working with site administrators to determine disciplinary action."
"Our schools respond as quickly as possible to any issues on our campuses. Please trust that we are taking appropriate action," the statement said.