Authorities have arrested a staff member from Indian Trails Middle School in Flagler County following an investigation into child abuse, as reported by deputies.
Cheryl Andrews was taken into custody on Thursday after an investigation by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities report that they were initially informed of an incident in late September, when the Department of Children and Families indicated that Andrews reportedly hit a student.
Authorities report that video evidence from within the school captures Andrews following a student and hitting him. Deputies report that Andrews was observed returning to the student and forcefully pushing his head while placing a hand around his face.
Following the start of the investigation on October 4, deputies reported discovering that the student was nonverbal.
Witnesses have informed detectives that Andrews displays aggression towards all students, and the actions taken against the victim were without provocation.
During the interview, deputies reported that Andrews claimed she “didn’t know why she did that.” She recognized that the victim is a student with disabilities.
Andrews was taken to the Flagler County Jail and subsequently released on bond.
A representative from Flagler County schools provided a statement to WESH 2 News.