A teacher in St. Peter, Minn., is charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly throwing an 11-pound backpack at a student's head during class.

St. Peter High School science teacher Robert Shoemaker also is charged with malicious punishment of a child, a gross misdemeanor.

The complaint says a student in Shoemaker's class said he wasn't feeling good and was tired, so he put his head on his desk.

The student says he heard Shoemaker walk toward him before he was hit on the head with the backpack.

The student was treated for a bruised neck.

Shoemaker has worked at the school for two decades. Superintendent Jeff Olson says the complaint is being investigated.

Shoemaker declined to comment. His attorney did not immediately return a phone message Thursday evening.

Associated Press