A Tampa school principal and a teacher have been charged with child abuse.
- Kimberly Hoskinson, Michael Hoskinson arrested
- Tampa Police say pair pushed, punched a child
- Parents of Coleman Middle School notified
Kimberly Hoskinson, a teacher at Plant High School, and Michael Hoskinson, the principal at Coleman Middle School, were placed in Orient Road Jail, the Tampa Police Department said Monday.
Authorities said the alleged incident happened Nov. 2, did not occur at either school and was unrelated to their employment.
"After a verbal altercation, Kimberly Hoskinson pushed the victim, followed by Michael Hoskinson punching the victim in the ribs two times," a Tampa Police news release stated. "The force from the punches caused bruising to the victim's ribs as well as an injured wrist as a result of a fall."
Both the man and woman, who are married, denied causing harm, the report said.
The Hillsborough County School District sent an automated phone message to all Coleman Middle School staff and parents letting them know that the principal was arrested.
"I've had nothing but nice interactions with him," Coleman parent Mark Newkirk said of Michael Hoskinson. "He's been a gentleman the entire time, and from what I understand, the kids love him here, and he's done nothing but help my family."
"We hope that everything is not what it seems, and we hope the best to the family," Newkirk said.
In the phone message to Coleman Middle School parents, the district said, "Our No. 1 priority is the safety and well-being of our students, and we will ensure they have all of the resources they need to get through this difficult time."