FIRST ON FOX: DC teacher arrested for assaulting student

Police have arrested a teacher at a D.C. charter school for assaulting a student.

The altercation happened Monday morning at Democracy Prep Congress Heights Public Charter School in Southeast D.C.

D.C. police have charged 30-year-old Jason Underwood for simple assault.

According to the police report, another teacher saw Underwood grab a male student by the neck and slam him against the wall. At the same time, he used several curse words at the student and accused the student of lying to him. A teacher intervened, but as the student walked away, Underwood tried to grab the student again.

Democracy Prep Congress Heights Executive Director Sean Reidy sent this letter to parents on Monday:

"This morning DC Police arrested a Democracy Prep Congress Heights staff member at the school. This staff member has been terminated by Democracy Prep Congress Heights effective immediately. We condemn this staff member's actions, but cannot comment further on an on-going police investigation, with which we are cooperating fully.

"Social workers and other Democracy Prep Congress Heights staff are available if your child seeks help. In addition, I have officer hours tomorrow and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. if anyone would like to speak with me."