BAYONNE — A teacher has been accused of punching a girl in the head while trying to help break up a fight at Bayonne High School.

Joseph Mingoia, of Bayonne, was arrested on Friday and charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault, a disorderly persons offense.

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The 68-year-old math teacher has been on administrative leave since an incident at school on Jan. 22, according to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez.

RELATED: Teacher acquitted after student hits head

Investigators found that two students had been involved in a fight on school property. As multiple staff members tried to stop the fight, Mingoia punched a female juvenile in the head.

After his arrest, Mingoia was released pending his first court appearance, which was scheduled for March 22.

Bayonne High School serves 2,656 students in grades 9 through 12.

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