Well, here’s a story you don’t hear everyday: D.C. police arrested a Rock Creek Academy arts teacher after he punched a student in the mouth last night near the school. Joe Coleman, a 38-year-old who resides on the 4000 block of Lane Place NE, was “playing” with a student when the student attempted to grab Coleman’s hat. According to police, Coleman then punched the student in the mouth, causing him to lose a tooth.

The incident occurred on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue; the school is located at 4401 Connecticut Avenue NW. Police responded to the scene at 7:06 p.m. and arrested Coleman on charges of aggravated assault.

According to its website, Rock Creek Academy “offer[s] full time permanent and interim special education services to students ages 5-22.” The identity of the victim has not yet been released. A Rock Creek Academy spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

UPDATE: (2:28 p.m.) This afternoon, Marcia Wells, a communications manager at the school, responded to our request for comment with the following statement: “Rock Creek Academy takes every incident, whether founded or unfounded, extremely seriously. We are cooperating with authorities regarding this matter. The school requests you do not disturb students at Rock Creek Academy; you will be interfering with the process. I am unable to comment any further.”