TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A teacher was arrested on Monday following an alleged “altercation” with a 12-year-old student.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, John Steele, 34, was accidentally struck in the chin by a volleyball that had been kicked by the middle schooler during gym class.
Authorities said that Steele began yelling at the victim before using his left arm to shove her onto her back where he then proceeded to stand over her and continue yelling.
The victim did not suffer any visible injuries, HCSO said, but did report back pain following the incident.
“No child should ever feel threatened or unsafe by their teacher,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement about the arrest.
Steel has been charged with one count of child abuse.
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