A teacher is facing charges after getting into a physical altercation with students on a school bus in South Carolina last month.

Bus video shows 28 year-old Joseph Hamilton arguing with two students.

Hamilton is then seen grabbing one of the boys and pushing him down on a seat then holding him there for several minutes as the boy struggled.

Hamilton says the students ganged up on him and punched him provoking his actions.

But police say what he did broke the law.

He's charged with assault and battery against a student.

The two boys involved in the altercation are also facing charges.

The school district is investigating the incident.

Hamilton has been suspended without pay.

The school system's guidelines say he should have called for help.