ROCKVILLE, Md. — A Rockville elementary school principal is facing charges after police say he assaulted a student earlier this year.
According to the Rockville City Police Department, 54-year-old Andrew Winter is accused of assaulting a student on Feb. 9 while he worked at Ritchie Park Elementary School.
Rockville Police teamed up with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney's Office to investigate the reported assault. Winter was arrested after turning himself in on Monday on one count of second-degree assault.
The press release from Rockville Police did not detail the alleged assault. However, in charging documents obtained by WUSA9, officials claim Winter grabbed the student by their clothing and physically sat them down on a nearby bench. The charging document further alleges that Winter, stomped his foot on top of the student's right foot as he stood over them, causing the student to start crying.
"As [the student] continues to weep, Principal Winter sat down on the bench next to the victim and put his arm around the victim's shoulders," the charging document reads.
The reported assault happened during the lunch hour and was captured on school video footage. Additionally, police say two students saw what happened and told a teacher.
In a statement shared with WUSA9, Montgomery County Public Schools confirmed Winter has remains on leave from the elementary school.
"It is crucial to understand that when any employee is on leave (for any reason) it is considered a personnel matter and by law what can be shared is limited," the statement reads. "We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in respecting the privacy of those involved."
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