Rockdale County teacher arrested after viral video appears to show him shove student

CONYERS, Ga. — A Rockdale County teacher has been arrested after a viral video that appeared to show him push a student to the ground.

The incident happened Jan. 21 at Salem High School in Conyers. Viral video showed the teacher shove a 14-year-old boy to the ground in a classroom during an argument.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Marquette Thinn, 44, was arrested on Wednesday.

In the 39-second clip, shot on a cellphone, Thinn and a student are arguing at a desk.

“I ain’t say s*** to you,” the student says in the video, gets up and gathers his things.

TRENDING STORIES:

• 3 children have died from gun violence, 4 others injured in Georgia so far in 2022
• Atlanta jury awards Cardi B $1.25 million in defamation lawsuit
• Metro Atlanta Kroger stores to offer free N95 masks to customers

As he walks to the door, the man police said is Thinn screams at the student and then appears to knock him tot the ground.

“Sit your ugly a** down!” Thinn screams, “Sit down. Today ain’t the day!”

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

The 14-year-old, who hasn’t been identified, complained of an injury to his wrist after the confrontation.

The disturbing video had many parents outraged.

Thinn has been charged with simple battery.

“The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office takes any crime involving a student with the utmost priority to assure parents, staff, and citizens of Rockdale County that our school system is a safe learning environment for their children,” police said.

©2022 Cox Media Group