School officials in Colorado have announced that an elementary school teacher who was accused of choking a 6-year-old has been placed on leave.
The Greeley Police Department released a statement on Wednesday, September 18, in which they announced that 40-year-old Maplewood Elementary School teacher Joshua David Wainscott is facing charges of child abuse and assault-strangulation.
Wainscott was apprehended on September 12th, following an inquiry that began on August 30th, following which the police were contacted.
According to a letter to parents sent to McClatchy News by Greeley-Evans School District 6, Wainscott was suspended on September 3rd.
According to a police affidavit that KDVR obtained, Wainscott was seen on school surveillance film dragging a student inside the building while holding him in a headlock.
According to the station, the kid informed authorities that he attempted to liberate himself by kicking Wainscott, but the teacher retaliated by tightening his grip, making it difficult for the boy to breathe.
No statement was given by Wainscott to the police regarding the event. Wainscott has been employed by the district since 2008, according to school authorities, and teaches library media.
“The safety and security of our students and staff is always our top priority,” the letter to parents said. “We take these allegations very seriously and deeply regret any emotional or physical harm to a child under our care.”