15-Year-Old Boy Arrested After Setting Teacher On Fire During Class

Gabriela Penalba

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after he tried to set a teacher on fire during class.

The high school student from Knoxville, Tennessee approached Gabriela Penalba, 23, as she had her back turned to students.

He used a cigarette lighter to set her hair and shirt alight, the Daily Mail reports.

Other students rushed to help Ms Penalba, putting out the flames before they could cause burns.

Police say the teenager who set the science and physiology teacher ablaze tried to dispose of the lighter by throwing it out the classroom window.

He then tried to flee the scene but was caught by police a short time later.

The boy has been charged with aggravated assault and evading arrest.

A Knox County Schools spokeswoman said Ms Penalba is a first-year teacher at West High School.

She added that the offending student will face disciplinary action at school.