The parents of a 12-year-old student enrolled in a regional special needs school in Suffolk have filed assault charges against an instructor.

Irving Joseph, 60, of Chesapeake, a teacher with the Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program at John F. Kennedy Middle School, was charged with assault and battery, said Sgt. Michael McKenzie, spokesman for the Suffolk Police Department. Joseph was released on a criminal summons Nov. 1.

Although the Norfolk-based SECEP program is taught at John F. Kennedy Middle School, it operates independently of Suffolk Public Schools, said Bethanne Bradshaw, a school system spokeswoman. The school serves special needs students from Suffolk, Franklin and Chesapeake.

The alleged assault occurred on Oct. 29, when the juvenile's teacher, who has not been charged, was attempting to place the child into a "quiet room," said McKenzie. When a physical altercation ensued, Joseph intervened to help that teacher.

The Suffolk Police Department is still investigating the incident and not filed any charges, McKenzie said.

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com