Michigan high school student charged with felony over viral video of her knocking teacher out with metal chair

A 15-year-old girl who was seen in a now-viral video throwing a chair at her teacher was arrested and is being charged with two counts of felony assault from the incident, which took place at Southwestern Academy in Flint, Michigan, on Thursday.

The video shows two students arguing when one picks up a chair and throws it, hitting the teacher in the back of the head as she instantly falls to the floor. The video cuts out shortly after. 

Flint Police Chief Terence Green told ABC 12, that when the school resource officer showed up to break up the fight between the students, he found the teacher lying on the ground. Both students were arrested in the aftermath and Prosecutor David Leyton decided to press felony charges on the girl who threw the chair. 

The teacher was taken to the hospital and was reportedly released by Friday evening; the Flint Community School said she is doing well and is planning to return to work. "I am relieved to report that the teacher involved in this incident is doing well and was released from the hospital the same day," Superintendent Kevelin Jones said in a statement. 

"The resilience and dedication displayed by this educator are truly commendable. Furthermore, I am heartened to inform you that the teacher has chosen to return to work. This decision reflects the profound commitment our educators have to their mission of educating and supporting our scholars," he added. "On the day of the teacher's return, scholars and staff will be present to extend their warm welcome. They consider this teacher a hero, and we share in their sentiment. It is through the unity and resilience of our community that we can move forward, stronger and more determined to create a safe and supportive environment for all."

In another statement, Jones made it clear that the students involved would be "held accountable according to the law and in accordance with the Flint Community Schools Student Code of Conduct." He added, that the school is "committed to providing the necessary support and resources" to help "scholars and staff" "cope with any emotional or psychological effects stemming from this incident."

According to Public School Review, Flint Classical Academy is ranked in the bottom 50 percent in school performance with a graduation rate between 65-69 percent. The report notes the students achieving proficiency in math and reading is less than 20 percent.