FRESNO - Fresno County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested 64 year old Peter Samhammer of Clovis. He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on four felony counts of child abuse. On Thursday afternoon, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office received a report that students had suffered injuries during P.E. class at Herndon Barstow Elementary in Fresno.

Deputies responded to the school to investigate. Deputies learned that P.E. teacher, Peter Samhammer, had used a jump rope to discipline several children while holding class out on the playground. Samhammer placed the jump rope around their necks and tightened it briefly, before letting go. The rope left red marks on the kids’ neck and shoulder areas. The victims are in the 9 - 11 year old age range.

Central Unified School District has released the following statement.

“Mr. Samhammer is on official administrative leave. Student safety is a top priority for the district and as such, we are fully cooperating with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and will continue to do so throughout the course of its investigation.”

Samhammer has worked as a seasonal employee with the Clovis Unified School District in the past, but is not currently an active employee.
Anyone with additional information about the suspect is asked to contact Detective Jesse Gloria at (559) 600-8217 or Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.