Student accused of punching teacher

GREEN BAY — A Green Bay Southwest High School student is facing charges after police say he punched a teacher in the face.

Investigators say the incident happened in the teacher's classroom Monday morning. The 17-year-old student was charged Tuesday with substantial battery and disorderly conduct.

Investigators said the student, Ridwaan Mohamud, punched his teacher, Ward Wittman, in the face Monday morning. According to the criminal complaint, the incident apparently stems from a conversation the two had on Friday.

The criminal complaint said Wittman was talking to Mohamud about being picked on by others, when Wittman said, "I would date you."

Wittman told FOX 11 the comment was made during class, when he says another student called Mohamud ugly. He said he was just trying to make light of the situation by telling Mohamud he was not ugly and people would date him.

After court on Tuesday, Mohamud's mother told FOX11 she talked to the school's principal Friday about the situation, because she says her son was mad about the comments. She says she does not condone her son's actions, but said if the school had taken action, the situation could have been avoided.

FOX 11 reached out to the Green Bay Area Public School District Tuesday. Superintendent Michelle Langenfeld said she could not comment, calling it a student confidentiality issue.

Wittman suffered two facial fractures, but he returned to school Tuesday.

Mohamud is scheduled to be back in court next month.