Teacher abuses boy with autism after he threw crayons: Cops
Share and Follow

Alice Wood (Indian River County Jail).

A Florida preschool teacher ended up behind bars for allegedly assaulting a 4-year-old boy with autism after she became angry that he kept throwing crayons at her.

According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office responded to Kids City in Vero Beach on Tuesday about a possible child abuse case. A detective met with the victim’s parents at the school after the owner contacted them about an incident involving their son and his 48-year-old teacher Alice Wood. As a result of the incident, Wood was fired, the affidavit said.

More from Law&Crime: ‘That’s not an accident’: Dad’s attempt to blame nonverbal stepson for fatally shooting teenage daughter does not end well for him

The owner said she was notified by the boy’s behavior technician about the boy being “visibly upset” when she returned from the bathroom. They watched the video from the classroom, which allegedly showed Wood walking up to the boy who was sitting at a table. She grabbed the boy by both arms and pulled him toward her face “with enough force that his head snaps backward,” according to the affidavit. Wood then dragged the boy across the floor for about three feet before letting go, causing one of his arms to slap onto the ground, the affidavit said.

Wood is also accused of placing the boy back into his chair and pushing him back down, again causing his head to snap back. She eld him there before another teacher entered the room, per cops. The boy had a “large inflamed area” near his shoulder which was consistent of him being grabbed, according to the affidavit. He also appeared to be “timid,” cops noted.

Love true crime? Sign up for our newsletter, The Law&Crime Docket, to get the latest real-life crime stories delivered right to your inbox.

Detectives spoke with the boy’s behavior therapist who said that while the boy is prone to outbursts and property destruction, he has never been a danger to himself or others. The school also allegedly had a plan to deal with him if he was having an outburst. Staff was supposed to conduct a “basket hold,” which entails placing his hands across the body and momentarily holding him in place, according to the affidavit.

Officers went to Wood’s home to interview her. She claimed the boy suffered injuries after he tripped or fell, cops wrote. Wood also said the boy had punched her but the video did not show this, the affidavit said. She said the boy threw “one too many crayons” at her. The defendant said she regretted the incident and admitted the force was excessive. Cops arrested Wood and took her to jail.

Wood has since posted bond and has a court date scheduled for July 10. Her attorney could not immediately be reached for comment. The daycare owner declined comment to Treasure Coast Newspapers but confirmed Wood was fired.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Shocking Revelations: Mom’s Girlfriend Faces Allegations for Child’s Disturbing Injuries

Background: Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. (Google Maps). Inset: Deniqua…

Two Individuals Detained Following Gunfire Incident at Mobile Home Park

In the early hours of January 1, a dramatic incident unfolded at…

Hospital’s Profit-Driven Scandal: Gynecologist Accused of Performing Unnecessary Surgeries on 500 Women

Inset: Javaid Perwaiz (Western Tidewater Regional Jail). Background: Chesapeake Regional Medical Center…

Driver Hits 10-Year-Old Crossing Street, Leaves Scene as Family Tries to Help

Left inset: David Blanchard (WSB). Right inset: Khaleb Jackson (GoFundMe). Background: The…

Mother Found Deceased with Face Wrapped in Paper Towels: Son Allegedly Involved in Tragic Incident Over Inheritance Dispute, Authorities Report

Left inset: Anthony Nunez-Romano (WBZ/YouTube). Right inset: Dominga Romano (Facebook). Background: The…

Mother Sentenced for Causing Fatal Head Trauma to 14-Week-Old Son

Background: News footage of Lily Scheip during her sentencing on Dec. 29…

Tragic Plea for Help: The Heartbreaking Story of a Brave 10-Year-Old’s Final Moments

Left inset: Richard Baptiste (Apache County). Center inset: Rebekah Baptiste (GoFundMe). Right…

Ongoing Search for Missing 5-Year-Old as Father Faces Charges After Explosives Found in Residence

Authorities in Alabama are on the hunt for a young boy, aged…