Santa Fe teacher on leave after push

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) - A Santa Fe teacher is on paid leave while police investigate a video that shows him pushing two students in a school gym.

The incident happened at the Aspen Magnet Community School, a K-7 school that is part of the Santa Fe School District.

"He grabs the child and pushes him up against a wall, holds him there for a period of time then the child seems to work his way as he falls toward the ground," said SFPD Captain Aric Wheeler.

After the P.E. Teacher pushes the student you see him walk toward his office while the boy just lays on the ground.

A short time later the teacher comes back into view of the camera walks right by the kid still on the ground and goes after another student, this time a girl.

"At first she seems to avoid him then he pushes toward her and sets her off onto the wall as well," Captain Wheeler said.

A district spokesperson told KRQE News 13 they found out about the incident Friday afternoon and that they placed the teacher on leave Monday.

Captain Wheeler said the school also contacted police on Monday to investigate the incident.

Students told officers this is not the first time the gym teacher has done something like this.

"There was a lot of horse play that was traditional to the coach and the students," said Captain Wheeler.

Santa Fe Schools said any physical contact between teachers and students is looked down upon especially what is seen in the video, but it is up to police to determine if it is against the law.

"We're not saying that it is appropriate horse play we just don't know if its going to reach a criminal act," Captain Wheeler said.

KRQE News 13 is not naming the teacher because he has not been charged with anything.

Captain Wheeler said they have more interviews to conduct before they will decide if criminal charges are necessary.