(CNN) A Maryland high school teacher is facing assault charges following a fight with a 17-year-old student that was caught on camera, according to court documents.

The altercation, which happened at Largo High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was "very, very disturbing," Police Chief Hank Stawinski said at a news conference Friday.

Before the alleged assault, there was "physical contact" between the teacher and the student, he said. Authorities said the student stepped on the teacher's foot and bumped into her.

"The teacher then engages in a physical assault of that student," Stawinski said. "The nature of that assault was extraordinarily violent, and that conduct is criminal in nature."

The teacher was arrested Friday, Stawinski said.

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