A Tampa, Florida, social studies teacher is facing serious charges after he reportedly assaulted a student in class.

Luis Rizo, 43, and the 12-year-old were in a verbal argument when the Adams Middle School teacher supposedly got physical. The 43-year-old spat in the child’s eye, grabbed him by the throat, and slammed his head into a desk, according to an affidavit obtained by WTVT.

The attack didn’t end there: Rizo allegedly held the student by his fingers, twisted them, and forced his hand behind his back before shoving him out the classroom.

A report obtained by the Tampa Bay Times claimed the victim sustained a small bruise behind his ear and minor swelling in his fingers.

Rizo was arrested six hours after the March 28 incident. The 43-year-old supposedly told police that the student was being “disrespectful” while he was teaching. He also admitted to approaching the 12-year-old, who was sitting at his desk, and spitting in his face, an arrest report detailed.

“We are taking this matter very seriously and are waiting for more information from the investigation,” school district spokeswoman Tanya Arja commented.

Arja also said Rizo was hired by the county in August 2015 and worked at another middle school before transferring to Adams last year.

Arja added, “He does not have any other complaints or investigations by Office of Professional Standards.”

The Tampa teacher has been taken out of the classroom and will work in an area away from students as the district investigates.

Rizo is charged with felony child abuse. He was released from the Hillsborough County jail Wednesday after posting $2,000 bail.

[Feature Image: Tampa Police Department]