JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Duval County public school teacher who was recently recognized as the VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year for 2024 was arrested Tuesday and charged with felony domestic battery by strangulation, according to a heavily redacted arrest report.

Gustavo Guzman, 26, a biology teacher at Terry Parker High School and site director for the 5000 Role Models of Excellence program, was booked into the Duval County jail following the incident.

He was released the following day on $7,500 bail. Guzman has been employed by the district since 2021.

The arrest report states that a woman told police domestic violence had been escalating over the past year and erupted Tuesday when she tried to leave the residence.

Investigators observed a shower curtain ripped down at the scene. The report notes the woman had no visible injuries, and she declined to have evidence technicians photograph her body, though she did provide a written statement.

Authorities said Guzman’s own statement about strangulation led to the charge being enhanced to a felony.

The arrest has shocked the community, particularly those with strong ties to local schools.

Ronnie Rohn, a lifelong Jacksonville resident whose two daughters are teachers, expressed his disappointment.

“I remember last year when he became Teacher of the Year,” Rohn said.

Other parents and community members described feeling unsettled by the allegations.

“It’s a very scary thing,” said Kelly Licausi, a mother and 1994 Terry Parker graduate. “As a parent myself, you know, I should feel safe sending my children to the school.”

Several people interviewed urged families to talk openly about relationships and healthy ways to handle conflict.

“They need to try to resolve it without violence,” Rohn said.

Duval County Public Schools released a statement Thursday saying:

We were very disappointed to learn of this arrest and are concerned by the allegations. As this is an active criminal and district investigation, we are unable to provide additional comment, but can share that the presumption of innocence applies and appropriate actions will take place following the outcome of the investigations.

Attempts to reach Guzman for comment were unsuccessful as of Thursday evening.

If you or someone you know needs help in a domestic violence situation, Hubbard House has a 24-hour hotline and text line. The hotline number is 904-354-3114 and the text line number is 904-210-3698.

Survivors can also make an appointment or walk into the Hubbard House Outreach Center at 6629 Beach Blvd, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All Hubbard House services are free and confidential.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis and needs help right away: Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can reach the suicide prevention lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

Children and teens can call the Wolfson Children’s Hospital free mental health hotline at any time at 904-202-7900, or text the word “Life” to 741-741 and a counselor will text you back.