WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — Police arrested a West Memphis school teacher on Thursday after a fight with an 8th grader happened in early August.
Kenneth Cauley, 29, has been charged with third-degree battery with purpose of causing injury and filing a false report with a law enforcement agency.
The West Memphis Police Department said the altercation between the teacher and student occurred on Friday, Aug. 9 at the Wonder Junior High School. Police officials said the West Memphis School District (WMSD) is conducting an internal investigation and cooperating with police.
Investigators said all charges against the boy were dropped, and he was released from juvenile custody.
WMSD released the following statement on Facebook the day police arrested Cauley:
The West Memphis School District is aware of the recent arrest of one of our teachers following an incident at Wonder Jr. High School. The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, and we take any concern related to their well-being very seriously. We recognize that events like this can be upsetting for students and parents, and we are working cooperatively with the WMPD as this situation continues to evolve. We want to assure you that we are actively investigating this matter internally and gathering any relevant information related to the incident. WMSD has a strict policy against any form of violence. As such, the teacher has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
We want to ensure parents and community members that we are focused on the safety of all our students within our school community and that we are committed to addressing this concern quickly and justly. All students should feel welcomed, safe and protected in our care. Thank you for trusting WMSD and recognizing our commitment to the well-being of every child in our district. We remain committed to the care, safety, and well-being of our students and staff throughout the district.
Any inquiries about this incident should be directed to WMPD. If you or your student have any information about this incident, please contact WMPD at 870-735-1210.
Cauley was due in District Court Friday and was released on a $2,525 bond.