A teacher in Virginia has been arrested after he allegedly assaulted a 7-year-old student during the school day.
The Prince William County Police Department said that officers responded to Prince William Academy in Woodbridge, Virginia, on Wednesday, October 14, after receiving reports of an alleged assault that took place the day earlier around 12:40 p.m., according to WJLA.
Authorities launched an investigation into the allegations and learned that a boy had been assaulted by a teacher while in class. Police added that the child reported having minor injuries following the alleged attack.
Teacher Shaanan Josiah Burrell was arrested two days later on Friday, October 16, and charged with assault and battery.
“The student reported that the suspect basically placed him over his shoulder, and in the process, the student fell, hit his head. He also, the suspect, grabbed his wrist. That caused him pain as well,” Prince William County Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Erin Noble told Fox 5 DC.
Noble added that the allegations were “very concerning” to the department. “We always take these sorts of reports seriously. Thankfully, our officers conducted a thorough investigation; like I said, the school notified us very quickly when they heard what had happened, and we were able to bring this case to a quick and successful resolution,” she said.
Burrell, 34, has since been released from custody on his own recognizance, and he is expected to appear in court regarding the charges at a later date.
Following the incident, the Prince William County Academy issued a statement on the matter to WJLA.
“Student safety is paramount at Prince William Academy. Our child-safety standards are clear: Conduct that compromises a student’s safety is prohibited and unacceptable,” Prince William Academy executive director Guye Turner said in the statement.
Turner added that when the school “received a report concerning a staff member’s interaction with a student, we immediately terminated the individual’s employment and notified the affected family.” The school has since “cooperated with law enforcement and will continue to do so.”
“Because this matter involves a student and an ongoing law-enforcement matter, we cannot comment on the specific circumstances or investigation,” Turner concluded. “We remain committed to the safety and well-being of every student.”
It is not currently clear whether Burrell has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following his arrest. The Prince William County Police Department did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding updates in the case.
