NEW HOPE -
There's new information about an altercation that took place on Thursday afternoon at New Hope School. The Madison County Sheriff's Department has taken over the case. Investigators have told us the name of the parent who was charged with assaulting a teacher.
Joey Russell is charged with felony assault, against teacher Stan Torain.
An investigator from the sheriff's department was at the school Friday morning. New Hope Police originally worked the case on Thursday. Police officers told sheriff's investigators Russell assaulted Torain on Thursday. Torain was taken to Huntsville Hospital with facial injuries.
This happened the same day New Hope School held its student awards program.
The Madison County School System isn't saying much more, only releasing this brief statement:
"An incident did occur at New Hope Elementary School today. The law enforcement officers were called. The school system is conducting an investigation into the matter."
New Hope Elementary School is the home of the Indians. Almost 700 students go to school there. Many of them were at the school Thursday evening for the awards program.
"I think it took the glory away from the seventh graders' awards dinner," said Parent Betty Nickelson.
The awards event for 7th graders went on as planned. The school also held its 8th grade awards program later in the evening. The school's auditorium was packed with parents, students, and teachers excited about the school's many accomplishments.
More than 100 kids were poised and ready to be the center of attention for their achievements.
Parent Betty Nickelson says it's a shame the incident was so distracting for many at the ceremony.
"I think it's sad. I think it got out of hand. It's something that could have been handled differently," added Nickelson.
The school system told WHNT NEWS 19 more information will be made public following the conclusion of the investigation.
This is the second assault on a school official in two days. The other one happened yesterday at Henagar Junior High. Wednesday's situation led to a parent being charged with assault.
Joey Russell is charged with felony assault, against teacher Stan Torain.
An investigator from the sheriff's department was at the school Friday morning. New Hope Police originally worked the case on Thursday. Police officers told sheriff's investigators Russell assaulted Torain on Thursday. Torain was taken to Huntsville Hospital with facial injuries.
This happened the same day New Hope School held its student awards program.
The Madison County School System isn't saying much more, only releasing this brief statement:
"An incident did occur at New Hope Elementary School today. The law enforcement officers were called. The school system is conducting an investigation into the matter."
New Hope Elementary School is the home of the Indians. Almost 700 students go to school there. Many of them were at the school Thursday evening for the awards program.
"I think it took the glory away from the seventh graders' awards dinner," said Parent Betty Nickelson.
The awards event for 7th graders went on as planned. The school also held its 8th grade awards program later in the evening. The school's auditorium was packed with parents, students, and teachers excited about the school's many accomplishments.
More than 100 kids were poised and ready to be the center of attention for their achievements.
Parent Betty Nickelson says it's a shame the incident was so distracting for many at the ceremony.
"I think it's sad. I think it got out of hand. It's something that could have been handled differently," added Nickelson.
The school system told WHNT NEWS 19 more information will be made public following the conclusion of the investigation.
This is the second assault on a school official in two days. The other one happened yesterday at Henagar Junior High. Wednesday's situation led to a parent being charged with assault.
