A high school student in Rockdale County is set to face criminal charges after physically assaulting a teacher in a classroom.
The incident, which took place on Thursday, Jan. 26 at Heritage High School, was captured on video and showed a ninth-grade student engaged in an altercation with her teacher before attacking her.
The teacher, Tiwana Turner, had to be taken out on a stretcher due to a broken knee sustained during the attack.
Following the assault, the student was reportedly taken to the Juvenile Detention Center, and her identity, as a minor under Georgia law, will not be disclosed.
Subsequently, the student has been suspended from school, as confirmed by Rockdale County School District officials.
School administrators emphasized their zero-tolerance policy towards violence against staff and assured that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The school’s official statement on the matter reiterated their stance: “Rockdale County Public Schools is investigating an incident where a student allegedly attacked a teacher during class today. RCPS does not tolerate student violence towards any staff members. Students who harm other students or staff will be disciplined according to our Student Discipline Code of Conduct and will be appropriately charged by law enforcement. We will adhere to personnel and student privacy laws in this matter.”
A spokesperson from the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office mentioned that they are actively looking into the incident and will take necessary steps once a decision regarding charges is made.
Due to the severity of Tiwana Turner’s injuries, the community has rallied to raise funds in support of the teacher’s recovery.
