A student in the midst of a mental health crisis who assaulted three St. Paul high school staff members last month now faces criminal charges.
The 16-year-old was charged with third, fourth and fifth-degree assault for his alleged conduct, according to the juvenile petition filed against him in Ramsey County District Court.
Police were called to Johnson High School at 10 a.m. on Sept. 11 after a report of a student in emotional distress, and paramedics transported him to the hospital, police said at the time.
Officers were then notified that the teen had assaulted three staff members who attended to him during the episode.
One staff member sustained a head injury after getting “sucker punched” by the student, the petition said.
Another suffered a concussion after the student threw the staff member to the ground, the petition said.
And a third suffered injuries after the teen placed his hands around her neck, the petition said.
None of the staff members nor their positions were revealed in court documents.
The student’s mother said the teen has autism and struggles with mental health issues.
“He is not well enough to make wise decisions, especially when he is upset,” she said.