A 49-year-old dean of students at North Whidbey Middle School in Oak Harbor, Washington, has been arrested over the alleged physical assault of a child.
Alin Kitchens II was taken into custody on Wednesday, six days after police received a report concerning an incident said to have occurred on 17 September.
The Oak Harbor Police Department said the case was being investigated in co-operation with Oak Harbor Public Schools. No details about what allegedly led to the incident have been released.
Kitchens has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
Police said they believed the incident was isolated and that there was no continuing threat to pupils or staff at North Whidbey Middle School.
Oak Harbor Public Schools said the reported conduct did not reflect the values or expectations of its community. The district said it was unable to comment further on personnel or pupil matters because of confidentiality laws.
“Student safety and well-being remain our highest priorities,” the district said, adding that it took immediate action when the allegation was brought to its attention.
Deputy chief Kevin Barton said the police department valued its partnership with the school district and thanked officials for their co-operation during the investigation.
Police have said they do not plan to release further information at this stage. The Oak Harbor Police Department and the school district are continuing to work together on the case.
