Teen receives 11 stitches after being attacked for stopping bullying at Nine Harmony High

Nine Harmony High School students were arrested Wednesday after deputies say they attacked a 17-year-old who had spoken up for another student being bullied during lunch.The teen suffered facial wounds requiring 11 stitches after the Oct. 16 attack near a tunnel exiting the school, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.All nine students face felony charges of aggravated battery and inciting a riot.Confrontation began during lunchDeputies said the victim was in the school cafeteria with his girlfriend when they saw students throwing carrots at another girl.The victim told them to stop. Two boys exchanged words with him and his girlfriend before the couple left the area in an effort to de-escalate the situation, according to the sheriff’s office.Later that day, the victim was walking to his car when a 16-year-old struck him, deputies said. Eight other students then joined in, repeatedly punching him in the face and head, according to investigators.Deputies responded shortly af