HAMILTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (PIX11) -- A father told PIX11 News about his 5-year-old son's terrifying encounter with one of his teachers in a kindergarten special needs classroom on Monday at P.S. 153 in Hamilton Heights, Manhattan.
PIX11 met the father Tuesday afternoon as he arrived at the school to pick up his son's older brother.
"The principal said that we need to come to the school. One of his teachers choked him. It was a very frightening moment for him. He said that his teacher's hands were tight around his neck, and that he said that he would be good, and that he asked his teacher to let go," said the father, who wished to remain anonymous.
The NYPD confirmed the arrest of 46-year old Anthony Wicks. He was charged with assault and acting in a manner injurious to a child, authorities said.
Records show Wicks holds a professional certification to teach children with disabilities from birth through second grade.
"We're taking him to the Special Victims Unit at the police station next. He will have a lawyer present," said the father.
The father gave PIX11 permission to speak with the brother -- under the same agreement not to disclose his identity.
"He just told me his teacher choked him, and I was like, 'Ohhhhh.' He was making a fuss about going into the timeout corner. He didn't want to go in the timeout corner. The teacher choked him," he said.
News of the incident has already spread among other, now infuriated parents.
"Fired, and he shouldn't be able to work in anymore schools or with children. Children are not his thing," said Ta-Tanisha Roman.
A New York City Department of Education spokesperson told PIX11 News, "This alleged behavior is completely unacceptable, and this employee has been immediately removed from this site. Pending the outcome of the arrest and if convicted, we will pursue their termination. There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our students."
PIX11 was unable to contact the teacher now under arrest.
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