LAKE WORTH CORRIDOR, Fla. —
A substitute teacher and coach at a Palm Beach County public school was arrested after allegedly punching a student on campus.
David Kellier, 23, was arrested Wednesday and charged with child abuse, without great bodily harm.
According to a report from the Palm Beach School District Police, Kellier is accused of punching a student in the abdomen area on school grounds of Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School.
According to the report, an assistant principal was approached by the victim on Wednesday and was told that Kellier struck him in the abdomen.
The assistant principal reviewed surveillance footage of the incident with a School District of Palm Beach County police officer.
The report notes Kellier is seen on the video grabbing the victim by the backpack and hitting the victim in the abdomen region.
Three other students who were seen on the surveillance video were questioned by the school police.
All three also confirmed that Kellier struck the victim.
When the mother of the victim was informed about the incident, she expressed her desire to pursue charges against Kellier.
In an interview with police, Kellier said he was approached by the victim who slapped his shoulder. Kellier added that he pushed the student back. Kellier then said the student approached him again and “finger flicked” him again.
At that point, Kellier said he punched the victim with a closed fist in the abdomen. When Kellier asked if the student was OK, the victim did not respond until he straightened his body.
According to the report, Kellier acknowledged he was wrong and cooperated with law enforcement during the investigation.
Oscar Otero, the principal of Garcia High School released the following statement Wednesday night:
“Good evening, Dr. Joaquín García High School Families and Staff,
I want to inform you that earlier today, a substitute teacher on our campus, Mr. David Kellier, was arrested by School Police on charges related to child abuse. Following his arrest, Mr. Kellier was removed from our campus and immediately terminated by the School District.
The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority, and we will always take swift and decisive action to protect our students and staff.
Thank you for your continued support of Dr. Joaquín García High School.”
A judge on Thursday ordered Kellier not to have contact with the victim or witnesses.
Kellier is being held in the Palm Beach County Jail on $5,000 bail.
Ovadia Law Group is committed to providing top-notch legal representation for personal injury victims. Our skilled attorneys have extensive experience in handling a variety of personal injury cases, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome. We understand the challenges you face and are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Source: wpbf
