CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A Chesapeake student is now facing a criminal charge for assaulting a classroom staff member.
The Chesapeake Police Department said on Tuesday, Oct. 26 that a girl who attends Oscar Smith High School was criminally charged with malicious wounding.
This all comes after a spokesperson for the city's school division said on Oct. 12, that the girl was seen punching a staff member.
Principal Paul Joseph said in a voice recording to members of the school community that first responders were at the school earlier in the day for "a medical emergency involving the assault of a staff member."
A video that was circulating on social media, showed a student telling a staff member to get out of her way. The staff member did not move, and another adult came to intervene.
After a few seconds, the student began hitting the staff member in the face and head. She also appeared to yank the staff member's hair and eventually threw her to the ground.
The other adult who stepped in left to call security. Following the assault, the student then walked out of the camera view.
Chesapeake Public School officials have not shared what led to the incident. A spokesman told 13News Now all staff has been trained on how to deescalate situations in the classroom.
Leaders with the Chesapeake Education Association said staff had restraint and seclusion training last year.
In his message to families, Joseph asked parents to sit down with their children and remind them about school safety and discourage them from participating or promoting any kind of school violence.
Here is the full message from Joseph:
Good afternoon, this is Paul Joseph, principal of Oscar Smith HS with an important message for the Oscar Smith High School community. Earlier today, first responders reported to OSHS in response to a medical emergency involving the assault of a staff member. Administration has been notified that students are circulating a video of the incident. We have been working in collaboration with the Chesapeake Police Department to investigate this situation. We take these matters seriously and plan to prosecute the offender to the fullest extent of the law.
Parents, I want to remind our students that acts of violence are not tolerated and will result in serious consequences. We urge you to take some time to speak with your child about school safety and discourage your child from participating in or promoting school violence. With a continued home and school partnership, we can all ensure the safety of students and staff as they enter Oscar Smith High School. Thank you for your cooperation.