An on-duty public school teacher has been arrested in the Bronx for alleged sexual abuse and other charges, police said.

 

An NYPD spokesperson said, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 2.51 p.m., an on-duty New York City employee was arrested and charged within the confines of the 43rd Precinct, which covers the neighborhoods of Westchester Avenue, Castle Hill Avenue, White Plains Road, and Parkchester.

 

The spokesperson said Paul Anthony Tyrrell, 38, an NYC Department of Education (DOE) teacher, was arrested and charged with forcible touching, three counts of acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years of age and sexual abuse.

 

Norwood News reached out to NYC Department of Education (DOE) for comment on the arrest. Arthur Nevins, deputy press secretary for New York City Public Schools, said, “The safety of our students is our absolute top priority, and these allegations are extremely troubling. We are cooperating with the NYPD’s investigation and this employee has been immediately reassigned away from the school and any contact with students.”

Asked about DOE’s screening process for the hiring of DOE employees, Norwood News was informed that all candidates for employment are subject to a fingerprint supported background investigation to determine whether security clearance can be granted for the position sought. We were further informed that if a person did not successfully complete any background investigation, they would not be employed.

 

We have asked City officials for details of how many children were impacted as well as a copy of the criminal complaint from the District Attorney’s office and will update this story upon receipt of any further information.

 

Meanwhile, the NY Daily News reported that the alleged arrest took place at The School for Inquiry and Social Justice on Morrison Avenue in Soundview. We have asked the DOE for corroboration and will update this story, should we receive this confirmation.

A person arrested and charged with a crime is deemed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.