US man allegedly used son as human shield to protect him from a police officer's pepper spray

Taron Boddie had reportedly been arguing with officials at his child's school

Police said they are looking to speak to Mr Gilbert's son (AFP/Getty)

A father in Pennsylvania reportedly used his son as a human shield after a police officer prepared to hit him with pepper spray.

Taron Boddie, 35, was arguing with school employees at South Scranton Intermediate on Thursday afternoon when police were called, The (Scranton) Times-Tribune reported, citing a criminal complaint.

The incident allegedly began because Boddie had not bought identification with him after arriving at the school to pick up his child for an appointment. His other son had also come along.

Police say Boddie screamed and put his hands on an officer's chest. After twice attempting to handcuff him, Patrolman Joseph Kearney pulled out his pepper spray.

At this point Boddie allegedly picked up his son and seemingly used him as a shield to stop Kearney from using it.

School officials managed to take the child away from Boddie, who was subsequently sprayed in the side of the face and taken into custody.

He was charged with simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and endangering the welfare of children. Boddie was freed on $10,000 unsecured bail ahead of a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday.