A Florida teacher is facing a felony charge after authorities say classroom surveillance footage captured a disturbing encounter involving a young special needs student, prompting questions about discipline and oversight in schools.
Nikol Marie Rodriguez, 29, was arrested and charged with one count of child abuse without great bodily harm following the incident at Peace Christian Academy in Hialeah.
Police say the alleged victim, an 8-year-old boy diagnosed with autism and ADHD, was under her supervision at the time.
Investigators noted the child can follow simple instructions but has difficulty expressing more complex needs.
According to authorities, the incident took place in early March inside a classroom at the school, which operates out of Primera Iglesia Hispana De La Biblia Abierta.
Rodriguez had been working closely with the student since August 2024 and was responsible for his care during the school day.
According to CBS News Miami, investigators say the child had no known history of violent behavior.
Earlier in the encounter, authorities say Rodriguez initiated physical contact by grabbing the student and pulling his arms behind his back.
Investigators said the child did not appear to pose a physical threat at the time, contradicting claims that force was necessary to manage behavior, according to Local 10 News.
Police say surveillance footage shows the situation escalating, showing the child being forced to the ground and restrained as he struggled, appearing in visible distress.
At one point, authorities allege the child’s upper body and head were driven into the floor while he was restrained, Law & Crime reported.
According to officials, the confrontation lasted several minutes, with Rodriguez maintaining control as the child attempted to break free.
Investigators allege she used both her hands and legs to keep him pinned, at one point forcing him into a corner of the classroom while another student nearby covered their eyes and ears, according to WSVN.
Police allege the situation ended when the child was released and attempted to stand, at which point Rodriguez pushed him into a nearby table.
NBC Miami reported that no medical assistance was sought following the incident, according to investigators.
The boy’s mother later reported discovering multiple injuries while preparing him for a bath, including bruising, scratches across his chest, and what authorities described as a puncture wound on his arm.
An internal report from the school characterized Rodriguez’s actions as a form of “supportive de-escalation” intended to manage behavior.
However, investigators say the surveillance footage does not support that explanation and instead shows the child was not acting in a threatening manner prior to the restraint.
Rodriguez’s defense attorney echoed that position during a court appearance, stating, “It is a child that was acting out, and she was in the process of restraining (the child).”
The attorney also noted that Rodriguez has no prior arrests and intends to challenge the charge.
Rodriguez was taken into custody and later released after posting a $5,000 bond.
As part of her release conditions, she has been ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim. The case remains pending as investigators continue reviewing the classroom video.
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