A Webb Middle School substitute teacher has been charged with battery following an incident with a 14-year-old student, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reports. The substitute, identified as 26-year-old Benjamin Barnes, became embroiled in a verbal altercation with the student yesterday morning, which included racially charged language and culminated in Barnes forcibly taking the student's cell phone. The student managed to escape the confrontation and promptly reported the event to a school resource deputy.

The altercation and subsequent arrest of Barnes have been met with strong statements from local authorities. "What happened today is a betrayal of everything an educator is supposed to represent," Sheriff Chad Chronister said, highlighting the expectation that teachers provide a nurturing environment for learning rather than fear. "Our teachers are supposed to create a safe space for learning and respect, not fear and intimidation. This behavior is completely unacceptable, and this teacher will face the consequences of their actions," Chronister's sentiment was expressed in an announcement on the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office's website.

At the time of the reported incident, Barnes was working under the aegis of Kelly Services, which is an agency known for staffing schools with substitute teachers. It is important to note that Barnes is not a direct employee of the Hillsborough County Public Schools. Details surrounding the case are still emerging as the investigation continues.

Information regarding any new developments related to the case will be issued by the Public Affairs Office, ensuring that the public remains informed. Concerned parents and community members have been following the situation closely, demanding answers and accountability. Meanwhile, the school district has yet to make a formal statement on the incident. For more details on the arrest and charges, individuals can visit the Hillsborough County Sheriff website.