APRIL 30 UPDATE:

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office has identified a substitute teacher who allegedly grabbed two Fernley Intermediate School students by the neck.

40-year-old James Palu of Fernley is facing charges of Felony Child Abuse or Neglect and is being held on a $20,000 bondable bail.

When deputies arrived at the school, Palu had already been relieved of his duties, according to a release from the LCSO.

Deputies found Palu and interviewed him. He told deputies he was conducting his introduction to the class and described himself as a big teddy bear. He then warned the students that if they misbehaved, he would “Ring their chicken necks.”

Palu said he did not touch the students but may have demonstrated on himself, a statement that runs contrary to statements made by the witnesses on scene. When pressed on the matter, Palu became evasive, and the interview ended, according to the LCSO.

While the students did not show visible signs of injury, one of them was later evaluated by medical professionals, and unseen injuries were confirmed.

A warrant for Palu’s arrest was issued on Thursday, April 30, and he was arrested in Fernley.

The investigation is ongoing, and any information the public may have regarding this case should be reported to Deputy J. Vazquez at (775) 463-6600.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE (APRIL 29):

A substitute teacher at Fernley Intermediate School is no longer employed after allegedly grabbing two students by the neck.

The incident happened on April 20, according to a post by the Lyon County School District on Facebook.

The district says the substitute engaged in inappropriate comments and physical conduct, including grabbing two students by the neck in a shaking and choking motion while attempting to explain his disciplinary approach in the classroom.

The substitute was immediately removed from campus by Fernley Intermediate School administration once their actions had been confirmed, and is no longer an employee of the district.

The school resource officer was contacted, and the incident remains under active investigation by the Lyon County Sheriff's Office. 

In its post, the district said that all substitute teachers are required to undergo background checks and hold appropriate licensure through the State of Nevada before being employed by the LCSD.