California PE teacher arrested for using jump rope on kids

A Californian physical education teacher has been arrested after he was accused of using a jump rope to discipline his students. 

The Fresno County Sheriff Department arrested Herndon Barstow Elementary teacher Peter Samhammer of Clovis, California, on four counts of felony abuse. 

On Thursday, officers received a report that students had suffered injuries during a P.E. class at the school. 

The Fresno County Sheriff Department arrested Herndon Barstow Elementary teacher Peter Samhammer of Clovis, California, on four counts of felony abuse

Samhammer had allegedly used a jump rope to discipline several children while having class outside. 

He was said to have put the rope around the student’s neck and tighten it up before letting it go. 

Kids – ranging from ages nine to 11 – were left with red marks on their necks and shoulder areas. 

Samhammer had allegedly used a jump rope to discipline several children while having class outside. He was said to have put the rope around the student’s neck and tighten it up before letting it go. Kids – ranging from ages nine to 11 – were left with red marks on their necks and shoulder areas

“Mr. Samhammer is on official administrative leave,’ said Central Unified School District in a statement.

‘Student safety is a top priority for the district and as such, we are fully cooperating with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and will continue to do so throughout the course of its investigation.” 

The man has worked in the district as a seasonal employee but is not an active employee.