Cafeteria Worker Gives 3rd Grader Knuckle Sandwich: Cops

School employee punched an 8-year-old student in the mouth, police say

An 18-year-old cafeteria worker at a Chester school was arrested on assault charges after he allegedly punched an 8-year-old boy in the mouth, police say.

Jorge Alvarado-Barbosa, who is described by school officials as “a young, Chester-based cafeteria worker,” allegedly punched a third grader during a physical altercation on the grounds of Chester Community Charter School Monday afternoon, police say.

Barbosa, of the 1100 block of Potter Street in Chester City, was caught on tape outside the school apparently grabbing the 8-year-old from behind to restrain him. The two then go out of frame, and that is when Barbosa allegedly punched the student.

Police said that there was an earlier altercation with Barbosa and the 8-year-old’s brother.

Barbosa was suspended from his job and “in all probability, he will be terminated within 24 hours," school CEO Steven E. Lee wrote in an e-mail.

“Such behavior by teachers or employees is wholly unacceptable at Chester Community Charter School, no matter the severity," Lee said.

The 8-year-old's father, Valdez May, is understandably outraged.

"I don't understand what would register in his mind and make him think it's okay," said Valdez. "But that's the nature of people today."

Barbosa was arrested 3:30 p.m. Wednesday on charges of aggravated and simple assault, reckless endangerment and harassment. He will be arraigned Wednesday night.
 

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