Teachers and students don't always get along, and sometimes a simple issue can escalate quickly, leading to some severe consequences.
For Marston Riley, a California teacher at Maywood Academy High School, a problem with one of his students turned into a major conflict, and now he is facing legal charges.
According to the witnesses, the 64-year-old music teacher confronted a 14-year-old student for not wearing a proper uniform, and asked him to leave the classroom.
However, the teen became irritated, then started hurling profanity and racist slurs at Riley. He also threw a basketball at the educator, which only worsened the situation.
A student captured the incident on camera, which took place last week, and the video has since been making rounds on the internet and local news stations.
In the cellphone footage, Riley is seen repeatedly punching the unnamed student in front of the class after their heated exchange turned into a brawl. It took a security officer and a few students to break up the fight.
The student had to be treated for "moderate injuries" at a hospital after the altercation, but was cleared to go home that same day.
As for Riley, he was arrested by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department on suspicion of child abuse. He has was released on $50,000 bail after spending the night in the slammer.
The Special Victims Bureau of the L.A. Sherrif's Department are still investigating, and the school district has confirmed that they're fully cooperating with law enforcement.
The Los Angeles Unified School District released a statementaddressing the unfortunate incident.
"We are extremely disturbed by the reports of the events that occurred at Maywood Academy High School. We take this matter very seriously and do not condone violence or intolerance of any kind. Los Angeles Unified is cooperating with law enforcement in investigating this incident."
District Suprintendent Beutner reassured the public, students and parents that this "incident we saw does not reflect the values of Maywood Academy High School and the wonderful teachers and students who make up the Maywood community."
Riley recorded a YouTube video in which he thanked the students for coming forward as witnesses and supporting him.
"I had this teacher before and I had no problem with him," one student told local news outlet KTLA. "He was a really nice teacher, I always respected him. He always had a really good relationship with every student."
The teacher also found a supporter in Cecilia Jimenez, a former employee at the school. She set up a GoFundMe page for Riley to help him with legal fees and more. Over $140,000 has been raised so far.
"Be mindful that the school district is looking at dismissing him and I would not doubt if the student's parents are looking into pressing criminal charges," she wrote, before revealing that isn't the first time that Riley has been attacked.
"We all may have mixed feelings about what happened," she continued. "But please do know that this is not the first time that Mr. Riley is attacked; physically or verbally. He is a great person and a great teacher."
Riley's arraignment has been scheduled for November 30.
