PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (AP) — Police say a man with a knife in his backpack tried to force his way into his former high school's gymnasium and then punched and kicked a teacher who blocked his path.

Police say students were in the gym at Portsmouth High School Tuesday morning when 22-year-old Marcus Schlip demanded to be let inside. Police say he then assaulted a physical education teacher who denied him entry and told him to go to the main office.

Police say Schlip was taken into custody and officers found a military-style knife in his backpack.

The charges against Schlip include assault on a school teacher.

Defense attorney Christopher Gontarz said a judge on Tuesday ordered that his client go to a hospital for mental health treatment, but Gontarz declined further comment.