Teacher accused of child abuse after stray volleyball hits his face, Florida cops say

A Florida teacher is facing child abuse accusations for an over-the-top reaction to being accidentally smacked in the face with a volleyball, according to Florida investigators.

It happened Wednesday, Dec. 18, during gym class at Jennings Middle School in Seffner, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

The teacher has been identified as 34-year-old John Steele of Tampa and the victim is a 12-year-old girl, the sheriff’s office said.

“Detectives determined the victim was playing with a volleyball when it accidentally struck Steele on the chin after the victim attempted to kick it,” the sheriff’s office said.

“In response, Steele began yelling at the victim, moved toward her, placed his foot behind her, and used his left arm to shove her onto her back as he leaned over the victim and continued to yell.”

The girl had no “visible injuries” but reported back pains after the encounter, officials said.

Steele was arrested Monday, Dec. 23, on one count of child abuse, the sheriff’s office said.

“No child should ever feel threatened or unsafe by their teacher. This behavior is unacceptable, especially from someone entrusted with caring for and guiding our kids,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in the release.

“This arrest serves as a reminder that we will not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes the safety of our community’s most vulnerable members.”

Jennings Middle School has about 800 students in grades 6 through 8, according to Greatschools.org.

Seffner is about a 15-mile drive northeast from Tampa.

This story was originally published December 24, 2024 at 9:16 AM with the headline "Teacher accused of child abuse after stray volleyball hits his face, Florida cops say."