A high school teacher in Ohio has been arrested on assault charges after he allegedly punched a student in the jaw and tried to hit a second student.
Matthew Warden was arrested Thursday, May 7, on two counts of assault, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s online records viewed by Us Weekly.
At the time of his arrest, Warden, 55, worked as a physical education and health teacher at Waterford High School.
He has been accused of punching a student in the jaw with a closed fist, as well as trying to punch another student during a gym class, according to criminal complaints viewed by Western Mass News 6.
A deputy wrote in an affidavit filed in support of probable cause that he responded to the school on Wednesday, May 6, after authorities received a report that a teacher had allegedly struck a student while on school premises.
One victim reported that Warden became angry during class and had both students sit on either side of him, according to the affidavit. Warden then allegedly told the two students they were “pissing him off” and he instructed them to “stick out their chins.”
Warden then allegedly punched one victim, which left a red mark and pain that lasted the rest of the day, per the affidavit. The teacher also allegedly tried to punch the other victim, though was unsuccessful in making contact.
The affidavit went on to state that Warden confirmed the incident took place, though he reportedly insisted he was “only joking around with the two students.”
It is not currently clear what incidents led up to the alleged assaults taking place.
Following Warden’s arrest, Wolf Creek Local School District Superintendent Suellen Coleman said that an investigation regarding the claims was ongoing. Coleman did not confirm or deny at the time whether Warden is still employed by the school amid the investigation, per Western Mass News 6.
Warden was released from custody on Friday, May 8, on his own recognizance, according to online jail records reviewed by Us.
It is not currently clear if Warden has entered a plea following his arrest. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding the case.
Assault is a first-degree misdemeanor in the state of Ohio. Those found guilty of the charge can be sentenced to serve a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and be ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
