Father of 8-year-old boy grabbed by substitute teacher sues CPS

The father of an 8-year-old boy has filed a lawsuit against Chicago Public Schools and the substitute teacher who grabbed the boy’s neck almost two years ago at a Wicker Park school.

Abdul Muztar, 66, was found guilty of six counts of misdemeanor battery for grabbing multiple children by the backs of their necks Dec. 12, 2014, at Sabin Magnet Dual Language School, 2216 W. Hirsch St., according to Chicago Police and Cook County Circuit Court records.

Raymond Alvarado claims Muztar choked his son, who had to be taken to the emergency room at Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, according to the suit filed Monday.

Muztar, of the 7300 block of North Karlov, was convicted in June 2015 and sentenced to two years of court supervision, records show. He was also ordered to pay $265 in fines and court fees.

CPS representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday evening. “Chicago Public Schools is aware of these allegations and takes them very seriously,” a spokeswoman said at the time of Muzatar’s arrest. “We are working with the Chicago Police Department on an investigation.”

The four-count negligence suit claims officials should have known the teacher would be a danger to children. Alvarado is seeking more than $100,000 each from CPS and Muztar.