Teacher accused of assaulting student with whiteboard in PBC classroom

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A Santaluces Community High School teacher and girls beach volleyball coach has been accused of assaulting a student with a whiteboard during class, alarming several other students.

The Palm Beach School District (PBSD) said that on April 14, at 1:15 p.m., a school resource officer was made aware of an assault between a teacher, identified as Christopher Winkles, 52, and a student.

The student involved told the school resource officer that she was leaning on her hand with a hoodie on her sweatshirt when Winkles approached from behind. The report states that the student claimed that Winkles picked up an 18″ x 14″ whiteboard and struck her thighs, demanding that she remove her hoodie.

“At this moment, I was startled and could not believe he just struck me,” she told the responding officer.

See also: WPB father’s alleged attempts to kill 2-month-old son caught on camera

She added that the blow left a mark on her leg and was loud enough to catch the attention of her classmates, telling police, “The hit was hard enough to cause a mark to my leg and loud enough to startle those around me.”

The report noted that Winkles had previously “messed” with her but had always apologized afterward.

Three other students corroborated her story, saying they witnessed Winkles hit the victim, either to “wake her up” or because she was wearing a hoodie, per PBSD.

Winkles has been accused of child abuse without great bodily harm.

CBS12 News has reached out to the Palm Beach County School District for further information. Check back for updates.

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