A 64-year-old science teacher at Monarch High School in Coconut Creek was arrested on Thursday during school hours for slamming a student’s head into a table. The incident occurred after the student called the teacher “Cagle Bagel,” which appeared to upset Cagle.
The student, who wished to remain anonymous, said that he did not think the joke would be a big deal because his friends also called Cagle by that name. However, Cagle directed the teen to come towards him and then proceeded to grab the student’s hand and twist it behind his back. Subsequently, the student felt dizzy and was found to have red scratch marks on his back and neck.
Surveillance footage showed Cagle dragging the student into the classroom, leading to his arrest. Despite being given the opportunity to speak, Cagle remained silent. The child’s parents opted to press charges against the teacher. In response, Broward County Public Schools stated that they are working with the District’s Special Investigative Unit and Coconut Creek Police on the matter.
Following the incident, Cagle has been reassigned away from the school while awaiting trial for child abuse without great bodily harm, a third-degree felony. Broward County Public Schools emphasized their commitment to student safety and taking all matters of student well-being seriously.
