Chattanooga, October 25, 2025
News Summary
William Fryar, a 58-year-old teacher at Harrison Bay Future Ready Center in Chattanooga, was arrested for assaulting a student during a fire drill. The incident involved Fryar ‘chest bumping’ the student against a wall, leading to one assault charge. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage raised concerns about Fryar’s behavior, prompting his removal from the campus. He is set to appear in court as investigations continue into the matter and the overall safety protocols at the school.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – Teacher Arrested for Assaulting Student During Fire Drill
William Fryar, a 58-year-old teacher at Harrison Bay Future Ready Center in Chattanooga, was arrested on Thursday for assaulting a student during a fire drill. Fryar is currently facing one charge of assault following an incident that occurred on August 20.
The incident took place in the hallways of the Future Ready Center during a routine fire drill. A student reported that Fryar “chest bumped” him against a wall and used profanity. Fryar defended himself by stating that he moved the student to prevent him from getting trampled by other students who were evacuated during the drill. However, a witness claimed that Fryar had suggested the student go into a bathroom to fight outside of camera view, raising concerns about his intentions.
Surveillance footage from the incident captured Fryar aggressively pushing the student against the wall and then following him to the bathroom. Although deputies reviewed the video on the same day as the incident, no arrests were made at that time. In the aftermath, school administration took action by removing Fryar from the campus.
Fryar is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, November 5, as the legal proceedings move forward. The Future Ready program at Harrison Bay provides career and technical education, including skills in welding, architecture, engineering, and aviation. It remains unclear if Fryar is still employed by Hamilton County Schools, and inquiries have been made to confirm his employment status.
As of the day of this report, the weather in Chattanooga was clear with a high of 72° and a low of 51°.
Background Context
The incident at Harrison Bay Future Ready Center has raised serious concerns about the safety and conduct of educators within the school setting. This program is designed to prepare students for various technical fields and aims to provide a positive learning environment. Cases like this one may underscore the importance of consistent policies and oversight to ensure student safety and well-being during school activities.
FAQ
Who was arrested for assaulting a student during a fire drill?
William Fryar, a 58-year-old teacher at Harrison Bay Future Ready Center, was arrested on Thursday.
What was the charge against William Fryar?
Fryar is facing one charge of assault.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on August 20, during a fire drill.
What did the student report happened during the incident?
A student reported that Fryar “chest bumped” him against a wall and cursed at him.
What does Fryar claim about his actions during the drill?
Fryar claimed he moved the student to prevent him from getting trampled by other students during the fire drill.
When is Fryar scheduled to appear in court?
Fryar is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, November 5.
Key Features of the Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individual | William Fryar |
| Age | 58 |
| Location | Harrison Bay Future Ready Center, Chattanooga |
| Incident Date | August 20 |
| Charge | Assault |
| Court date | Wednesday, November 5 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Significant Rise in Arrests in Chattanooga
Recent Arrests Highlight Ongoing Crime Concerns in Chattanooga
Additional Resources
- News Channel 9
- Wikipedia: Teacher Assaults
- Local 3 News
- Google Search: Harrison Bay Future Ready Center incident
- Times Free Press
- Google Scholar: William Fryar teacher arrested
- WBIR
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Assault in Schools
- News Channel 9 – Current Teacher Allegations
- Google News: William Fryar
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
