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A Florida elementary school teacher is now facing charges after allegedly striking and pulling a 4-year-old autistic child. According to WKMG, the woman was arrested Thursday.
According to the outlet, 48-year-old Stacy Strnad was arrested by Edgewater Police on Thursday at her Port Orange, Florida home. Strnad has reportedly been hit with “child abuse and battery charges.”
WKMG adds that the woman has since bonded out of jail. However, a statement from Volusia County Schools has revealed that Strnad has now been “placed on leave pending” the police department’s investigation.
“On Thursday, Sept. 7, a teacher at Indian River Elementary School was arrested for allegedly slapping a student. The teacher has been placed on leave pending an investigation,” the statement read, as per WKMG.
The statement added that Volusia County Schools “followed all protocols” in “immediately responding” to the incident. Additionally, it explained that the district is cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation progresses.
Volusia County Schools added that it takes “any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of our students” and parent’s trust “seriously.” Furthermore, the statement explained that the district strives to “foster a safe and respectful learning environment” for its students.
“Any such behavior that does not align with these standards will not be tolerated.”
According to The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Edgewater Police Captain Charles Geiger explained to the outlet that authorities were informed of the incident Thursday. Additionally, Fox 35 Orlando reports that the incident took place that same day.
Upon investigation, police discovered that the teacher allegedly struck the unnamed 4-year-old with an open hand twice on his arm. Then, when the child ran away from Strnad, she allegedly grabbed him by his arm and pulled him backward. This action reportedly caused the child to fall and cut their arm on a bookcase.
At this time, the child’s family has not publicly spoken out about the incident.
