Substitute teacher charged with grabbing children’s necks

A substitute teacher from a North Side school was arrested last week for grabbing students by their necks, police said.

Abdul Muztar, 64, was charged with five misdemeanor counts of battery, according to Chicago Police.

He was arrested Dec. 12 after allegedly grabbing multiple children by the backs of their necks at Sabin Magnet Dual Language School at 2216 W. Hirsch, according to police and CPS spokeswoman Lauren Huffman.

“Chicago Public Schools is aware of these allegations and takes them very seriously,” Huffman said in a statement. “We are working with the Chicago Police Department on an investigation.”

Muztar will next appear in court Jan. 30, police said.