ICYMI: Principal Who Kicked And Punched 7-Year-Old Student Arrested, Police Say

BROWNSVILLE, BROOKLYN — A public school principal who punched and kicked a 7-year-old student in the stomach now faces criminal charges, police announced Wednesday.

Machael Spencer-Edwards, 42, pulled the child into the hallways of Public School 202 on Hegeman Avenue and Berriman Street at around 10:30 a.m. on March 13, after the child lashed out and struck a teacher, police said.

Spencer-Edwards then repeatedly punched and kicked the child in the stomach, bruising but not seriously injuring the student, police said.

The principal was arrested Tuesday and charged with assault, harassment, menacing and acting in a manner injurious to a child, according to police and court records.

Spencer-Edwards was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court Tuesday night and released without bail, court records show.

The principal has been removed from the school, according to Department of Education spokesman Michael Aciman.

“This alleged behavior is deeply disturbing, and has no place in our schools," said Aciman. "We are providing additional guidance and ongoing support to the school community."

Patch reached out to several P.S. 202 officials who did not choose to comment.

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