An instructional assistant at Providence Elementary School in the City of Fairfax has been charged with misdemeanor assault after allegedly handling a student aggressively during a gym class last month.
According to police, the incident happened on September 18. The next day, Fairfax County Public Schools alerted the City of Fairfax Police Department about what took place.
Investigators say the assistant, identified as 43-year-old Matthew Barber of Fairfax, became physical with a student who wasn’t following directions in P.E. class. A teacher witnessed the incident and reported it to the administration. School officials placed Barber on administrative leave while police launched an investigation.
No injuries were reported.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division obtained a warrant for Barber’s arrest. On October 3, he was issued a summons for misdemeanor assault under Virginia Code 18.2-57. He was released and is expected to appear in court. A booking photo was not made available.
Police are asking anyone who may have had a similar experience to contact Detective Ruth Lightner at 703-385-7913.
