A employee at a Pennsylvania center college is alleged to have punched a scholar with autism within the face. Now, Higher Darby police affirm they’re investigating an alleged “altercation” between an eighth-grade scholar and a employee at Drexel Hill Center College.
In a joint press convention Thursday afternoon, Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt and Higher Darby College District Superintendent Daniel McGarry said that an altercation occurred Wednesday on the center college round 11:30 a.m.
In a social media publish on Thursday morning, John Rossiter, the scholar’s father, stated he acquired a telephone name from Drexel Hill Center College Principal Jill Palladino about an incident involving his 13-year-old son on the college. Rossiter alleged his son was introduced right into a hallway by the employee who then “punched him within the face.”
Rossiter claimed the incident was captured on video and witnessed by others.
In an interview with CBS Information Philadelphia, the scholar’s dad and mom, John and Taylor Rossiter, stated the incident is unacceptable and their belief has been damaged.
“He was very visibly upset and uncomfortable and kinda confused, and he saved saying my jaw hurts, my lip hurts. He had an ice pack when dad bought there,” Taylor Rossiter stated.
“These individuals are speculated to be educated to work with autistic youngsters the precise means,” John Rossiter stated.
The Rossiters vow to battle for his or her son transferring ahead.
“They want to ensure sooner or later that this does not occur to every other child,” Taylor Rossiter stated.
McGarry confirmed Drexel Hill Center College referred to as the police and adopted all mandated reporting procedures instantly after the alleged incident.
Bernhardt stated police are investigating the alleged incident and have scheduled an interview with the scholar. He added that costs, if any, can’t be introduced till the interview is performed.
Police are reviewing the video of the alleged incident and speaking with the Delaware County District Lawyer’s Workplace. McGarry confirmed that he noticed the video Wednesday afternoon.
“If there are costs to be introduced, we’ll convey these costs,” Bernhardt stated.
McGarry stated he spoke with the scholar’s dad or mum Wednesday and was “shocked” to listen to a few of the allegations he did not have.
“I perceive there may be some social media commentary about that,” McGarry stated. “We will not get that info the identical means that he may need. I am certain, as a dad or mum, that is irritating. I’d be annoyed if I have been that dad or mum listening to this info. We work for the dad and mom within the college district. We wish one of the best for his or her youngster. I am sorry they’re on this state of affairs.”
McGarry stated he didn’t but have the knowledge the scholar’s dad or mum gave him. He added that the dad or mum instructed him that they had telephone recordings, and he requested the dad or mum for them. He stated they’ve a gathering scheduled for Friday with the scholar’s household.
“Once more, what I believe individuals need proper now’s instant solutions for an investigation,” McGarry stated. “And as soon as this kind of investigation, particularly with a toddler and an grownup, we’re not allowed to do any extra investigation at the moment, and I am unable to give any extra info that is there. … I believe as a dad or mum myself — I’ve three youngsters — it is irritating to get that sort of telephone name yesterday. My coronary heart goes out to them. I hope we get this rotated as rapidly as we will and the precise end result for everyone takes place.”
Bernhardt stated he could not elaborate on what sort of altercation could have occurred as a result of it is an ongoing investigation. He additionally requested anybody with video of the incident to offer it to police.
McGarry stated the employee is not going to report back to the college whereas the investigation is ongoing.
The household says they are going to be retaining their son dwelling from college for now.
