Florida substitute teacher accused of punching autistic student in the ribs

A Florida substitute teacher allegedly punched an autistic, nonverbal student in the ribs while he was lying on the floor in a classroom, according to authorities.

Jeffrey Jung, 27, was arrested last Monday after staff members allegedly witnessed him “battering” a student inside a classroom of Seminole High School, according to a Sanford County arrest report obtained by PEOPLE.

Jung allegedly approached the student while they were lying on a mat in the classroom and punched them in the ribs and arm, the report said.

Witnesses told police Jung had blamed the student for giving another child a nosebleed, according to the warrant.

Another witness intervened to stop the attack on the student, who is confirmed to be autistic and nonverbal, according to WFTV.

Jung, a substitute teacher in the Seminole County district since August 2024, has been terminated from his post following the incident, Click Orlando reported.

“Any allegations of misconduct by our staff will be taken seriously and handled quickly. We will continue to fully cooperate and assist law enforcement as they continue their investigation,” the district said in a statement.

“The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and any type of behavior that jeopardizes that safety will not be tolerated in Seminole County Public Schools,” the district said.

The alleged disgruntled teacher was charged with battery, court records indicate.

Jung posted a $1,000 bond and was released from jail, records show.