Teacher Arrested After Punching 1 Student and Trying to Attack Another in Shocking Incident

An Ohio high school gym teacher has been arrested after authorities say he punched a student in the jaw during class and attempted to hit another student moments later.

Matthew Warden, 55, was taken into custody on May 7 and charged with two counts of assault, according to online records from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

At the time of the incident, Warden worked as a physical education and health teacher at Waterford High School in Ohio.

According to criminal complaints obtained by local outlets, Warden allegedly became angry during gym class and ordered two students to sit beside him.

One responding deputy later wrote in a probable cause affidavit that authorities were called to the school on May 6 after receiving reports that a teacher had physically struck a student on campus.

Investigators say one of the students told authorities that Warden appeared frustrated and told the students they were “pissing him off” before instructing them to “stick out their chins.”

That’s when the situation allegedly turned violent.

According to the affidavit, Warden allegedly punched one student in the jaw with a closed fist, leaving behind a red mark and pain that reportedly lasted the rest of the day.

Authorities also say the teacher attempted to punch the second student but failed to make contact.

During the investigation, Warden reportedly admitted the incident happened but claimed he was “only joking around with the two students.”

Officials have not publicly revealed what may have led to the confrontation inside the gym class.

Following the arrest, Wolf Creek Local School District Superintendent Suellen Coleman confirmed that an investigation into the allegations remains ongoing.

The district has not publicly stated whether Warden is still employed at the school while the investigation continues.

Warden was released from custody the following day on his own recognizance, according to jail records.

As of now, it remains unclear whether he has entered a plea in the case.

Under Ohio law, assault is considered a first-degree misdemeanor and can carry penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted.