Deputies have arrested a Pinellas County Schools employee for child abuse after hitting a 6-year-old child with autism, according to Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
According to deputies, 65-year-old DJ was working as a substitute classroom assistant at Oakhurst Elementary School on Sept. 15, when he was assigned to a special needs classroom. PCSO said after lunch, the 6-year-old child with autism and is semi-verbal, “was hitting and kicking as a sign of communication.”
According to PCSO, J then swung a lunch box containing a metal canister, hitting the child in the face and causing a swollen mark on the child’s forehead.
Deputies said J admitted on Sept. 16 to the incident, saying it was “knee-jerk” reaction when dealing with the child whom he knew was special needs, according to PCSO.
Tampa Bay 28 reached out to Pinellas County Schools for comment, and a spokesperson sent the following response:
Pinellas County Schools has zero tolerance for staff behavior that jeopardizes student safety or the integrity of our schools. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority, and we are committed to ensuring that every child is treated with kindness, dignity, and respect.
J was arrested and charged with one count of child abuse
He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Source: tampabay28
