SUMMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Mark Mills, 51, a teacher, was booked into the Yuma County Jail Tuesday night. A teacher is accused of punching a student in the classroom.

Mills is charged with aggravated assault of a minor.

“The information I can release at this time is that we were called to the Somerton Schools regarding a teacher who assaulted a student,” Somerton Police Chief Araceli Juarez said.

The incident was immediately reported to the administrative office by a Somerton Middle School student.

The victim's mother spoke about the circumstances of the incident and her decision to press charges.

“The teacher said that my son smelled his butt. And my son completely denies it. My son got up to pick up a fallen plastic sheet. At that moment, the teacher noticed something on the blackboard. He said the boy was bending over backwards and punched him in the back. He punched him hard, and well, when he did that, who I was watching her struggle,” the victim's mother explained.

Somerton Elementary School District said in a press release that it will ensure the school community is informed and the necessary steps are taken to appropriately address this incident.

“He's hurt, hurt and scared because he's never experienced anything like this before,” his mother said.

“We are working collaboratively with the school district. One of our priorities is that both staff and students are safe in the work environment,” Juarez said.

Mr. Mills is scheduled to appear in court again on Friday afternoon to face the charges.

The district also said the teacher will remain on administrative leave while the investigation continues.