Salinas police investigating reports that Alisal Union teacher slapped student

Salinas police confirmed that an elementary school teacher is being investigated after allegations that an 8-year-old student was slapped in the face.

The incident is alleged to have occurred inside a classroom at Alisal Community Elementary School on Monday.

Police have forwarded their report to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for review. Prosecutors said they have not yet seen the report.

Alisal Union School District superintendent John Ramirez told Central Coast News that the teacher at the center of the investigation has been placed on paid administrative leave, but he declined to say why. This is the first time such allegations have been lodged at this teacher, he said.

The teacher hasn’t been arrested or charged at this point, police said.

Central Coast News will have more on this developing story.