On 4/11/12, at approximately 12:00 p.m., officers responded to a school in the 8600 block of Rainier Avenue South to investigate an assault. Upon arrival, officers contacted the complainant/Assistant Principal, who stated that a 44-year-old male teacher had “slapped and strangled” a student. Officers contacted the victim, a 17-year-old male, who was in the nurse’s office. The victim complained of injury and the Seattle Fire Department was called to the scene by officers. The victim was later transported to an area hospital.
According to witnesses, two tenth grade students were being disruptive in class and the suspect/teacher asked for them to complete an assignment to keep them from being disruptive. When they refused he yelled and swore at them. One of the students said something similar to “You can’t say that.” The suspect/teacher grabbed the student by the throat, and also slapped him in the head.
The student said he was unable to breathe for a very brief period when the suspect/teacher grabbed him by the throat. When officers arrived approximately an hour after the assault, the student still had red marks on his neck.
Officers contacted the suspect/teacher in the Staff lounge. He was arrested and transported to the South Precinct for processing.