Teacher arrested for allegedly assaulting student in Brooklyn high school

Teacher arrested for allegedly assaulting student in Brooklyn high school

A 27-year-old teacher, identified as Gary Zeng, has been arrested following an alarming incident at the International High School at Lafayette in Brooklyn. Reports indicate that Zeng allegedly placed a 15-year-old student in a headlock, leading to serious concerns about safety in educational environments.

Details of the incident

The incident occurred on a Tuesday afternoon, around 3 p.m., when the student reportedly entered Zeng’s classroom without permission. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the teacher reacting aggressively. The student sustained injuries to his neck and was subsequently taken to Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, he is currently in stable condition, according to police reports.

Charges against the teacher

Following the incident, Zeng was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including second-degree strangulation, criminal obstruction of breathing, endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree assault. These serious allegations highlight the gravity of the situation and raise questions about the teacher’s conduct and the measures in place to protect students.

Implications for school safety

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about safety in schools, particularly regarding the behavior of educators. The New York City Department of Education has not yet commented on the situation, but the lack of immediate response raises concerns about how such incidents are handled. Parents and community members are calling for increased oversight and better training for teachers to prevent future occurrences.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. The community is left to grapple with the implications of this incident, emphasizing the need for vigilance and accountability in schools.