LARGO, Fla.—A substitute classroom assistant at Oakhurst Elementary School has been arrested and charged with child abuse after allegedly hitting a 6-year-old special needs student with a lunch box.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on September 15. Deputies say that David Jones, 65, was working in a special needs classroom when the autistic, semi-verbal victim began hitting and kicking to communicate. Jones allegedly responded by swinging a lunch box, which contained a metal canister, and striking the child in the face. The blow caused a welt on the victim’s forehead.
On September 16, Jones admitted to the incident, calling it a “knee jerk” reaction. He was arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing. Questions regarding Jones’ employment should be directed to Pinellas County Schools.
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