By Howard Koplowitz
An Oakland Gardens man who teaches at a Richmond Hill elementary school was charged with assault last Thursday after he allegedly punched a 12-year-old student in the head and threw him against a table, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.
Scott M. Antwork, 58, of 213-02 73rd Ave. in Oakland Gardens, faces up to a year in jail if convicted of assault, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, according to the DA.
Antwork, a teacher at PS 54 at 86-02 127th St. in Richmond Hill, is accused of punching 12-year-old student Edgar Lopez in the head, putting him in a choke hold and then grabbing his right arm and pushing him into a table, Brown said.
The boy allegedly suffered cuts to his chin and neck and bruising and swelling to his right arm and leg, according to the DA.
“Under no circumstances is it appropriate for a teacher to hurl objects at students,” Brown said in a statement. “Such behavior poses a threat to the safety of all those in the classroom.”
Antwork was awaiting his arraignment in Queens Criminal Court in Kew Gardens.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
