PATERSON — An Eastside High School security guard was arrested Wednesday and charged with hitting a student.

Gary Powell, 62, of Paterson, hit the male teenage student March 31 at the school, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdez said.

Powell was charged with fourth-degree child abuse and neglect, and with a disorderly persons offense of simple assault — charges that often are heard in Municipal Court but carry a maximum penalty of 18 and six months in county jail, respectively.

Prosecutors say Powell was released from custody Wednesday. Officials did not release more details about the incident.

Neither Powell nor school officials could be reached for comment Wednesday.

Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. 

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