An instructional assistant at St. Louis Park Middle School has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a student, officials said.
The assistant, a 31-year-old man from Minneapolis, was arrested at his home Tuesday and booked in the Hennepin County jail, and he awaits charging later this week, said city spokeswoman Jacqueline Larson.
The man was placed on administrative leave by the district.
Larson said the man is accused of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a degree that applies under many circumstances, including when the suspect is in a position of authority over the victim.
School officials became aware Monday morning of "a situation" involving the assistant and the student, read a district statement issued Tuesday night. Police were contacted immediately, the statement continued.
"The well-being of the student … is our utmost concern, and we have been working closely with the family to meet their needs," the statement continued.
The district did not disclose the student's grade, gender or whether the assistant was directly involved in the student's education.
PAUL WALSH
