A Rhode Island man is accused of punching and kicking a school teacher as he tried to force his way into the school’s gym Tuesday, police said.
Marcus Schlip, 22, a former student of Portsmouth High School, has been charged with assault on a school official, possession of a knife in a commission of a crime and disturbance of public assemblies generally.
Police said they responded to the school just after 9 a.m. and found Schlip in the main office. School officials told police Schlip tried to get into the gym but was denied access by a 27-year-old teacher blocking the door.
Schlip then allegedly punched the teacher in the face and kicked her repeatedly as he pushed his way into the gym.
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Officers found a large knife in his backpack, but say no students were involved or injured. Police said Schlip’s motive remains unclear.
The teacher was taken to a local hospital. Her current condition is unclear.
It’s not clear when Schlip will appear in court or if he has an attorney.
