High school water polo coach in Irvine arrested for alleged sex with student

IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- A 23-year-old water polo coach at Irvine's University High School was arrested Tuesday for allegedly having sex with a female minor who is a student at the school, authorities said.

Coleman Pickell, a walk-on coach for the junior varsity boys team, was taken into custody off-campus at 1:20 p.m. and was expected to be booked at the Orange County Jail, the Irvine Police Department said in a news release.

It was unclear when the alleged crime took place.

In a statement, the Irvine Unified School District said its "number one priority is the safety and well-being of our students."

"We have zero tolerance for any behavior that does not support our values, our commitment to integrity, and our service to students," the statement continued. "Effective immediately, Mr. Pickell will no longer coach or have contact with students at University High School, or through any Irvine Unified school. IUSD takes these allegations very seriously and will continue to work closely with the Irvine Police Department as it moves forward with the investigation."

No additional comment was provided by the school district or police.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Gavin Hudson of the Irvine Police Department by phone at (949) 724-7168, or via email at ghudson@cityofirvine.org.