COLUMBUS, GA -
Columbus police are working with the Muscogee County School district on an alleged assault of a student with special needs by a Muscogee County School District para-professional.
The student, a 10-year-old at Hannan Magnet Academy, has autism. His parents Lisa and Ed Jenkins told News Leader 9 that after viewing a video in a private meeting with Muscogee County School district administrators they believe that their 10-year-old autistic son was physically and verbally assaulted by school district employees.
In that video, the Jenkins told us that the bus was in motion and their son was not fastened into a required seat belt--- they say because of their son's condition, he typically has "meltdowns." Instead of helping their child they say the para- professional jerked him around on the bus.
"You can see that the bus in moving and they just grab him and sling him around."
The parents say their son rides a bus from Hannan to an autism program. The alleged altercation took place at the beginning of last month on a school bus that was in route to take the Jenkins's son to the program. They say their son was the only student on the bus.
School district officials tell us that at this point the parents of the students involved in this alleged incident, school administrators, and officers with the sheriff and police departments have viewed the video.
News Leader 9 has filed a request to view that video but is currently waiting on parental permission. The Jenkins told us they weren't able to get a copy of the video themselves because of state laws.
Both parents say they want justice to be served.
"I want them to be arrested, I want them to be reported to the authorities like they are supposed to I want them to be handled."
Police tell us that at this time no arrest warrants have been filed in the case.
Copyright 2013 WTVM. All rights reserved
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTVM, a Raycom Media Station.
