Bridgeport teacher charged with assault on student

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- A music teacher at a Bridgeport elementary school has been charged with assaulting a special education student.

The Connecticut Post reports that 51-year-old Lydia Struble, of Stratford, a teacher at Thomas Hooker Elementary, was charged with third-degree assault in connection with the Feb. 4 incident.

Investigators say the 13-year-old girl told them Struble picked on her during class, called her names and yelled at her. At the end of class, Struble allegedly grabbed and pulled the girl's right wrist, then grabbed her left shoulder and forced her into a chair.

Police say the girl had bruising and scratches on her wrist, and a bruise that appeared to be a handprint on her shoulder.

Struble refused comment when reached by the newspaper. She's free on a promise to appear in court.