Indiana Teacher Arrested After Slapping Student and Telling Another ‘I Wish I Could Shoot You in the Head,’ Police Say
CORYDON, INDIANA — A longtime Indiana high school teacher has been arrested after police say she slapped a student for spilling water and told another that she wished she could “shoot [him] in the head.”
According to investigators, 57-year-old Cherie S. Hofmann, a science teacher at Corydon Central High School, faces battery and intimidation charges following a string of incidents that shocked parents and students alike.
Incident in the Classroom
The confrontation happened on October 22, when a student accidentally spilled water on a desk during class. According to the probable cause affidavit, Hofmann responded by slapping the student across the head and saying, “Don’t spill water on my tables.”
The student said the slap caused brief pain before fading. Two classmates confirmed the teacher’s actions, telling police they saw her hit the boy and reprimand him.
When questioned, Hofmann denied slapping the student, insisting she had only “gently patted” him on the head with her fingertips.
Threatening Remarks Reported by Other Students
As police investigated, additional complaints surfaced. A female student said Hofmann once threatened to slap her, while another student claimed she told him directly, “I wish I could shoot you in the head.”
That student told investigators he thought the teacher “must’ve had a bad day,” recalling that she later tried to correct herself, saying she meant to say she wanted to “shoot herself” instead.
Authorities said Hofmann later emphasized she was a licensed firearm instructor, claiming she would never make such a statement. “I might think it, but I would never say it,” she allegedly told police.
School District Responds
The South Harrison Community School Corporation placed Hofmann on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
In a statement, the district said, “Once the investigation is complete, any necessary disciplinary measures and actions will be taken in accordance with the findings. Allegations of this nature are taken seriously, and our full cooperation has been provided to law enforcement.”
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Hofmann was released on her own recognizance after a court appearance last week. A no-contact order was issued, preventing her from interacting with any of the students involved.
She is scheduled to appear in court again on November 20 for a pretrial hearing. If convicted, Hofmann could face jail time and potential loss of her teaching license.
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