A veteran Broward County science teacher has been arrested following accusations that he physically assaulted a student after an alleged verbal provocation. Christopher Cagle, 64, of Monarch High School in Coconut Creek, is facing a child abuse charge, authorities confirmed. The incident reportedly took place on school grounds last Thursday, just as a biology class was set to begin.
The ordeal unfolded when the student reportedly hurled a taunt at Cagle while passing by his classroom. Law enforcement officials state that Cagle responded by twisting the student’s arm behind his back and pulling his hair, forcing him into the classroom where he then shoved the youth’s head against a desk twice. The student emerged from the episode with scratches on his neck and a feeling of dizziness, prompting a 911 call, as noted in the report obtained by NBC Miami.
Cagle, who has spent over a decade teaching at Monarch High and nearly 20 years with the district, appeared before a judge and has been released on a $5,000 bond. The terms of the release include no contact with the alleged victim. "Mr. Cagle you are charged with one count of abuse of child with great bodily harm, I do find probable cause," said the Broward County bond court judge during the hearing.
Inevitably, the community is reacting with dismay and consternation. One fellow student, not a pupil of Cagle's, declared "What he did was wrong, to be honest," in an interview with CBS News Miami. Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the school district assured that "The school and District take all matters involving student safety seriously," signaling that Cagle has been reassigned pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The victim's parents have reportedly indicated an intention to pursue charges, while Cagle has declined to comment publicly on the matter since posting bail.
