Teacher, Student Fight At Palm Springs School

A 14-year-old Palm Springs student and his 61-year-old teacher were both arrested when a dispute over trash turned violent, a police sergeant said Thursday.

The teacher asked the student to throw away some trash at Riverside County Community School, 1776 N. Palm Canyon Drive, about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, said Palm Springs police Sgt. Mitch Spike.

The student refused and allegedly shoved the teacher, who allegedly slapped the student in the face, said Palm Springs police Sgt. Mitch Spike.

After that, “the student reportedly slapped the teacher and then the teacher allegedly punched the student three times in the head,” Spike said.

The student, whose name was not released, was arrested on suspicion of battery on a school employee and released to a parent. He had minor bumps and bruises but did not require treatment, Spike said.

The teacher, Thomas Silva of Palm Springs, was arrested on suspicion of willful child cruelty. He was released after promising to appear at an arraignment.