Police in Florida arrested a teacher, James Bellamy, who reportedly hurled a basketball at a 12-year-old boy, causing his tooth to be knocked out, and elbowed him in the mouth, per Fox 35. 

The shocking encounter occurred in Palatka at Putnam Academy of Arts and Science School. 

According to officials, a mother reported that her son was assaulted by a teacher named Bellamy. Footage captured the teacher flinging a basketball at the boy and later elbowing him in the mouth

“during a game.” 

Cops spoke to the victim to which he verified his mother’s story.

He alleged that the teacher

“had gotten angry at him because Bellamy believed he had intentionally struck his arm or head while they were playing.” 

According to the boy’s statement to the police, after being hit initially, Bellamy called him back onto the court and flung the ball at him. Luckily, the boy managed to dodge the ball; however, he was later whacked in the face by Bellamy’s elbow, resulting in the loss of a tooth.

After locating Bellamy at his residence, officers questioned him about the incident. Bellamy claimed that he was engaged in a basketball game with students and that the 12-year-old boy struck him first. Consequently, Bellamy called the boy back onto the court and threw the ball, but he insisted that it was unintentional.

The teacher was arrested and charged with

“child abuse and battery.”

#Clique, what are your thoughts?