SEATTLE — A teacher is accused of attacking a 17-year-old student after he apparently became frustrated when the student was talking during a class, police said.
Officers were called to South Lake High School in the 8600 block of Rainier Avenue South at noon on Wednesday. The school is an alternative high school in the Rainier Beach neighborhood of Seattle.
The assistant principal told officers 53-year-old Andrew McCool had "slapped and strangled" a student.
Officers talked to the victim, a 17-year-old boy, who was in the nurse's office. The boy said he was hurt, and the Seattle Fire Department was called to the scene by officers.
The teen was later transported to a hospital.
According to witnesses, McCool was teaching a class and the 17-year-old victim and another student were in the back of a class, talking and being disruptive.
Witnesses said when the students ignored McCool's request to be quiet, he swore at them. The teacher went to the back of the class and confronted both students. One of the students said something to the effect of "you can't say that," and that's when McCool slapped and grabbed the victim by the throat, choking him, the victim and witnesses said.
McCool sent the teen to the office, and the teen told administrators what happened. The school called 911.
Responding police officers went to the staff lounge, where the teacher was arrested for investigation of assault.
McCool was taken to the south precinct for questioning. He was released on his own recognizance. Police will recommend he be charged with felony assault.
McCool, who has been teaching at the alternative high school since 1997, is on paid administrative leave.
KIRO
