Florida teacher faces abuse charges for slapping, pulling 4-year-old child with autism, police say
Related video:
Teacher accused of pinching toddler's arm
A teacher at Pineapple Cove Academy in Palm Bay has been arrested and charged with child abuse after a toddler was found with several injuries to his face, neck, and arms. According to the arrest affidavit, the child was dropped off at the school on Monday, Aug. 21, with no visible injuries. Hours later, however, a teacher noticed that the boy had visible injuries to his face and reported their concerns to the school's director. Police said the boy had scratches and bruises on his face, neck, and under his armpit.
EDGEWATER, Fla. - A Central Florida teacher was arrested for allegedly slapping and pulling on a child with autism, causing them to fall on a bookcase, according to police.
Stacy Strnad was arrested and charged with child abuse by Edgewater police officers after the incident that happened Thursday at Indian River Elementary.
Photo: Edgewater Police Department
The 48-year-old woman is accused of striking the 4-year-old child on the arm twice with an open hand, police said. The child ran away, but Strnad allegedly grabbed the child by the arm, pulling them backwards and the child fell. The student's arm struck a bookcase when they fell, causing a minor laceration.
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Police arrested Strnad at her home in Port Orange. As of Friday morning, she bonded out of jail.