WATCH: Florida deputy body-slams teenager while trying to break up fight

A Florida deputy was caught on video body-slamming a teenager -- but the sheriff says his actions were justified.

The video has circulated on social media since Friday, when the Volusia County sheriff's deputy threw the 16-year-old to the ground, reported WFTV-TV.

Investigators said an argument escalated between three students in the gym at Spruce Creek High School before staffers called for the deputy's assistance.

Authorities said the deputy used force against the student after the teen threatened to "drop" him and a school administrators.

"It's a little over the top," parent Jennifer Cronk told the TV station.

Another student recorded video of the incident and shared the footage online, but the sheriff's office said that recording only told part of the story.

Surveillance video and a body camera worn by the deputy also recorded the incident, which remains under investigation.

The sheriff's office said that evidence backs the deputy's account.

Three students were charged with creating a campus disruption, and two of them face an additional charge of assault on a school board employee. One student is also charged with resisting arrest without violence.