Another high school resource officer is in hot water after assaulting a 16-year-old student.

Thomas Jaha, a veteran of the Oklahoma City police department, was caught on tape punching a male student at U.S. Grant High School, reports KFOR. Jaha punched the teen in the face after the student reportedly took a fighting stance against the officer. According to the police report, the student had been asked to return to class repeatedly because he didn’t have a hall pass.

The district attorney has filed one count of assault and battery against the officer. The 16-year-old’s family says they have hired a lawyer.

Jaha claims that he was defending himself. A spokesman for the police department is defending him.

"If he believed that he was going to be hurt or he was going to be attacked, then obviously he has the right and the opportunity to defend himself," said Capt. Paco Balderrama with the Oklahoma City Police Department told KFOR. "At the same time, you know, we have to meet that appropriately."
Watch the latest update on the Spring Valley High School incident.

BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world.
(Photo: OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT)