Florida Teacher Accused of Throwing 6-Year-Old Special Needs Student During Classroom Dispute

A Florida elementary school teacher has been arrested after allegedly using physical force against a six-year-old student with special needs during a classroom incident involving a toy.

Kevin Adkisson, 52, was arrested following an investigation by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. He faces two counts of child abuse without great bodily harm in connection with allegations involving a student at Wadsworth Elementary School in Bunnell, Florida.

According to investigators, the incident occurred on October 16 while students were enjoying free time. Two children reportedly began arguing over a toy, and Adkisson allegedly intervened by forcibly taking it from them.

A classroom paraprofessional told authorities that Adkisson then pushed one of the students and grabbed the child by the arm in a rough, swinging motion that caused the boy’s body to move through the air. The teacher allegedly yelled at the child, telling him he was acting like a two-year-old.

The student reportedly crawled beneath a desk and began crying. Investigators allege that Adkisson moved the desk, grabbed the child again and pinned him against a classroom wall.

The witness told deputies that the boy was crying and saying he was being hurt and could not breathe. Adkisson eventually released him and reportedly told the child he was not hurt.

Authorities also described a separate alleged incident involving the same student. The child reportedly told investigators that Adkisson struck both sides of his stomach with closed hands before picking him up and moving him to the back of a line after he had moved ahead of classmates.

The allegations were reported to school administrators by the paraprofessional who witnessed the classroom incident. School officials escorted Adkisson off campus and notified the student’s parents and the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Adkisson was arrested on October 22 and later released on a $5,000 bond. The school district said he had been placed on administrative leave. He declined to speak with detectives during the investigation.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized that children must be able to learn in a safe environment, stating that staff members working with students who have special needs must remain calm.

The allegations have not been proven in court. Adkisson is scheduled to appear in court on November 17.

Sources: DAILYMAIL