A Florida preschool teacher was arrested for allegedly assaulting a 4-year-old boy with autism after she became enraged when he continued to throw crayons at her.
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office responded to Kids City in Vero Beach on Tuesday to investigate a possible child abuse case.
A detective met with the victim’s parents at the school after the owner informed them of an incident involving their son and his 48-year-old teacher, Alice Wood. The incident led to Wood’s firing, according to the affidavit.
When the owner returned from the bathroom, she was informed by the boy’s behavior technician that he was “visibly upset”.
They watched the video from the classroom, which allegedly showed Wood approaching the boy sitting at a table. According to the affidavit, she grabbed the boy’s arms and pulled him toward her face “with enough force that his head snaps backward.”
Wood then dragged the boy across the floor for about three feet before letting go, causing one of his arms to slap the ground, according to the affidavit.
Wood is also accused of putting the boy back in his chair and pushing him down, causing his head to snap back.
According to police, she left him there before another teacher entered the room. According to the affidavit, the boy had a “large inflamed area” near his shoulder, indicating he had been grabbed. He also appeared to be “timid,” according to cops.
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Detectives spoke with the boy’s behavior therapist, who stated that while the boy is prone to outbursts and property destruction, he has never posed a threat to himself or others.
The school also allegedly had a plan in place to deal with him if he reacted inappropriately.
According to the affidavit, staff was supposed to perform a “basket hold,” which involves placing his hands across the body and holding him in place for a brief period of time.
Officers went to Wood’s house to interview her. According to police, she claimed the boy was injured after tripping or falling. Wood also claimed the boy punched her, but the video did not show it, according to the affidavit.
She claimed the boy threw “one too many crayons” at her. The defendant expressed regret for the incident and admitted the force was excessive. Police arrested Wood and took her to jail.
Wood has since posted bond and has a court date set for July 10. Her lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment. The daycare owner declined to comment to Treasure Coast Newspapers, but he confirmed Wood’s firing.