FISHERS, Indiana — A middle school mathematics teacher faces criminal charges following an alleged physical altercation with a 12-year-old student on the final day of the school year, according to law enforcement and court records.
Nathan Sandlin, a resident of Fishers, is accused of physically battering the student during an incident at Eman Schools, located in the 12000 block of Visionary Way near East 116th Street and Lantern Road.
The Fishers Police Department initiated an investigation around 3:45 p.m. on May 21 after receiving a battery report regarding an event that occurred earlier that afternoon. A responding officer met with the assistant principal, who stated that staff members reported Sandlin had physically battered the student.
According to court documents, the last day of school included traditional end-of-year games, such as water gun and silly string battles. The 12-year-old victim told police that he was participating in the activity with classmates and teachers when Sandlin entered the room and demanded the student hand over his water gun. When the boy attempted to conceal the toy, Sandlin reportedly became agitated.
The student reported that Sandlin gripped both of his wrists tightly enough to cause physical pain. Despite classmates telling the teacher to release the student, Sandlin allegedly wrapped his arms around the boy’s torso from behind, restricting the student’s ability to breathe. Sandlin eventually released the student and exited the classroom.
Investigating officers reviewed building surveillance footage from inside the classroom. Investigators noted that the video shows Sandlin grabbing the student by the wrists, the boy crying out in pain, classmates instructing Sandlin to release him, and Sandlin wrapping his arms around the child from behind. The responding officer also documented visible, fresh fingernail cuts on the student’s arms and hand.
The student and his parents informed the officer that they have experienced ongoing issues with Sandlin utilizing excessive physical contact with the boy and other classmates. The family stated they had previously contacted school administrators to voice these concerns but did not receive a response.
Police officers subsequently located Sandlin at his Fishers residence. Court documents state that Sandlin met the officer in his driveway and stated he understood the purpose of the visit, referencing an unruly child at the school. Sandlin allegedly admitted to holding the student’s arms and wrapping his arms around the boy from behind, describing the action as a specific de-escalation technique taught for managing violent children. Sandlin denied being aggressive or rough during the encounter.
Online judicial records indicate that Sandlin is scheduled for a pretrial conference on July 14, and his jury trial is set to commence on October 6.
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