Salina Teacher Won’t be Charged for Sitting on Student in Weight Room

Salina Kansas Middle School

SALINA, Kan. (KAKE) – A 39-year-old middle school teacher in Salina will not face criminal charges after police say he sat on a student who passed out afterward and hit his head.

The incident happened on September 6 at Salina South Middle School. Police reported the 13-year-old student had finished bench pressing and the teacher sat on him. Shortly after, the student passed out, rolled off the bench and cut his head on a portion of the bench.

The Hays Post reports that police interviewed those present during the incident and the case was forwarded to Salina Municipal Court. The court requested the Saline County attorney’s office review the case.

The county attorney declined prosecution based on witness statement indicating they felt the incident was playful and did not meet the threshold for filing criminal charges.

The teacher, whose name was not released, was placed on leave after the incident. It’s unclear whether he has returned to the classroom.