Police arrested a summer school teacher at a Rego Park junior high school on Thursday after he lost his cool with a 12-year-old boy who refused to put away a Game Boy he was playing with.
Michael Freydin, 55, allegedly pulled the gaming device from the student’s hand and yanked his left wrist to lead him out of the classroom, according to an NYPD spokeswoman, who added that the child suffered pain, bruising and swelling to his wrist.
Police from the 112th Precinct in Forest Hills responded to Stephen A. Halsey J.H.S. 157, located at 63-55 102nd St., and took Freydin into custody. He was booked at the 112th Precinct, where he was charged with assault in the third degree and endangering the welfare of a child. According to the Queens District Attorney’s office, he received a desk appearance ticket and was ordered to return to court on Aug. 21.
The city’s Department of Education has employed Freydin for 24 years. Following the incident, he has been suspended pending an investigation.
“This alleged behavior is completely unacceptable,” DOE spokeswoman Jenna Lyle said. “This employee has been removed from the summer program and will remain away from students pending the outcome of the arrest. There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our students.”
