Teacher arrested after allegedly punching student in the jaw, trying to punch another

WATERFORD, Ohio (WTAP/Gray News) - An Ohio high school teacher is facing assault charges after he allegedly punched a student in the jaw and tried to punch another.

Matthew Warden, 55, was arrested Thursday on two counts of assault, a first-degree misdemeanor, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s jail roster and Marietta Municipal Court documents.

Warden is a physical education and health teacher at Waterford High School. He is accused of punching a student in the jaw with a closed fist and trying to punch another Tuesday during gym class, according to criminal complaints.

In an affidavit filed in support of probable cause, a deputy wrote that he responded to the school Wednesday after learning of an allegation that a teacher struck a student.

The affidavit says one victim reported Warden became angry during class and had both students sit on either side of him. He reportedly told the students they were “pissing him off” and told them to “stick out their chins.”

The affidavit alleges Warden then punched one victim, leaving a red mark and pain lasting the rest of the day, and tried to punch the other victim but was unsuccessful.

The affidavit also states that Warden confirmed the incident occurred but said he was “only joking around with the two students.”

Wolf Creek Local School District Superintendent Suellen Coleman previously said an investigation is ongoing. She did not confirm whether the person under investigation is still employed by the district.

Warden was released Friday on his own recognizance, according to online jail records.