Teen Beats, Sexually Assaults Las Vegas Teacher Amid Grades Chat: Cops

LAS VEGAS, NV — A 16-year-old student was arrested and charged with attempted murder last week in Las Vegas after police said he beat and sexually assaulted his teacher after visiting her to talk about his grades.

The attack happened around 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Eldorado High School on North Linn Lane. The teacher was found with multiple injuries, and medical personnel treated the teacher in the classroom. She was hospitalized in stable condition.

Investigators determined the student and teacher were meeting in her classroom when he became violent, police said. The teen punched the teacher and strangled her until she lost consciousness, police said. The teen fled, and the teacher was found by another employee.

Police arrested the teen in the 5700 block of Cedar Avenue. He was booked on charges of attempted murder, sexual assault, battery with intent to commit sexual assault, first-degree kidnapping and robbery.

The teen's name wasn't released.

Jesus Jara, superintendent of Clark County School District, emailed staffers Friday afternoon and said he was "devastated," the Las Vegas-Review Journal reported.

“I am devastated, and the CCSD family hurts for the teacher assaulted at Eldorado High School,” Jara said. “Our hearts are heavy because of the violence committed against her, and we pray for her full recovery.”

Jara emphasized that the teen will be held accountable for his actions.

Christina Brockett, principal of Eldorado High School, called the attack an "isolated incident."

"The suspect was arrested, thanks to the quick work of CCSD Police. Eldorado is an amazing school with students and staff who are here to support each other," Brockett said in a statement, according to KTNV. "While it will take time, we will work through this and emerge a stronger Sundevil family."

Gov. Steve Sisolak tweeted that the attack was "an absolutely tragic and horrendous situation."

"My entire family is sending our love, thoughts and prayers to this teacher as she recovers from the brutal attack, and we are glad to hear she is in stable condition," he said.

Sisolak called for ensuring educators are safe.

"We must also provide the resources necessary for our students to have the mental health supports they need," he tweeted. "I've made education a priority from the beginning of my administration and will continue to work with parents, teachers, students, and the community."

The Clark County School District has reportedly faced a wave of violence this school year.

Henry “Mike” Blackeye, chief of the school district police, said in March there were 3,000 incidents, including assaults and fights, since the beginning of the school year, KSNV reported.

"Fighting is a major infraction on campus," Jara, the superintendent, said at the time. "Fighting that results in significant campus disruption will be a recommended expulsion from school."