March 12, 2019 - 3:18 PM
CLOVERDALE, Calif. - The Latest on California teacher alleged to run "fight club" at school (all times local):
3:15 p.m.
A Northern California schools superintendent says allegations that a high school teacher encouraged a "fight club" in his classroom are "deeply disturbing."
Cloverdale Unified School District Superintendent Jeremy Decker said Tuesday that teacher Federico Vargas was put on leave as soon as they learned of the allegation. Police were alerted Thursday.
The district says the fighting occurred over two days last week. The district is continuing its investigation.
Vargas was arrested Saturday on suspicion of five counts of endangering a child and 13 counts of contributing to the delinquency of minors.
Decker says the job of educators is to provide a safe space for children to learn.
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8:45 a.m.
A Northern California high school teacher has been arrested on suspicion of refereeing a classroom fight club that resulted in multiple student injuries.
The Press Democrat reports 41-year-old Federico Vargas, of Santa Rosa, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of five counts of endangering a child and 13 counts of contributing to the delinquency of minors.
The Cloverdale Police Department says Vargas created "a 'fight club' style atmosphere" at Cloverdale High School by allowing students to fight and even refereeing the fights.
Investigators say more than one student was injured, including a teen who required medical treatment.
Cloverdale Unified School District Superintendent Jeremy Decker says school officials contacted police last week after learning of the alleged fighting "due to the serious nature of these allegations."
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Information from: The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, http://www.pressdemocrat.com
News from © The Associated Press, 2019