Watch CBS News

Classroom Argument Leads To Student-Teacher Fight, Teen Charged With Assault

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The fight between a Lincoln High School student and teacher stemmed from an argument in the classroom, according to police. When the period ended, eyewitnesses say fists were raised.

We're told the unidentified 16-year-old threw the first punch. The video appears to show both, participating in the fight.

Philly Officers Sue LeSean McCoy Over Bar Fight

Austin Augustine, a senior at Lincoln, says he was there. "I don't think he was trying to swing," Augustine said of the teacher. "I saw him throw one punch, but the kid was throwing a lot of punches."

A crowd of about two dozen people appeared to have watched. The video was posted to social media late Monday afternoon.

Earlier in the day, Eyewitness News caught up with Dr. William Hite, the superintendent for Philadelphia schools. He said he wanted to watch the video on his terms.

He said "what has been described to me is disturbing and not the type of incidents we want to see in our schools. We're going to do everything we can to get to the bottom of it."

Philadelphia Police have charged the 16-year-old student with aggravated assault. The teacher was not charged.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.