Mesa Police Arrest Teacher for Aggravated Assault on Student

Mesa, AZ – Mesa police officers arrested 52-year-old American Leadership Academy (ALA) teacher, Nathan Hansen for aggravated assault.

On November 6, 2025, shortly after 3:00 p.m., Mesa Police Officers were dispatched to American Leadership Academy on the 7000 block of Pecos Road in Mesa AZ, following a report that a teacher had physically assaulted a student.

Officers learned that the teacher, identified as 52-year-old Nathan Hansen, was involved in a physical altercation with a 14-year-old male student during a physical education class during school hours. According to initial reports, the incident occurred after the student approached Nathan and attempted to take a phone from his hand. Nathan then allegedly pushed the student to the ground and then dragged him by the back of his hoodie.

Detectives from the Mesa Police Special Victims Unit were notified and assisted with the investigation. Surveillance video reviewed by detectives showed Nathan shoving the student to the ground, grabbing him by the back of his hoodie, and dragging him off the basketball court before sliding him against the bleachers. The student suffered minor injuries as a result.

After reviewing the footage and conducting interviews, investigators determined there was probable cause to arrest Nathan for aggravated assault by an adult on a minor under 15 years of age. Nathan was contacted at his residence, interviewed, and subsequently arrested for aggravated assault.