Palm Coast, Florida — A Florida elementary school teacher is facing child abuse charges after authorities alleged that he forcefully grabbed a 6-year-old special needs student, threw him through the air and pinned him against a classroom wall during an incident that reportedly began with a dispute over a toy.

Kevin Adkisson, 52, was charged with two counts of child abuse without great bodily harm, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. The allegations stem from an incident at Wadsworth Elementary School in Palm Coast on October 16.

The case came to the attention of school administrators after a paraprofessional working in Adkisson’s emotional and behavioral disorders classroom reported concerns about the teacher’s handling of the child.

How the Classroom Incident Allegedly Began

According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, students were having free time and could either watch a movie or play with toys when two children began arguing over a toy.

The paraprofessional told investigators that both students were holding the toy and refusing to let go. She instructed them to hand it over to her.

Adkisson, who was known as “Mr. A” in the classroom, allegedly approached the children and forcefully pulled the toy from their hands.

The affidavit states that the teacher then grabbed the 6-year-old student by the arm in what investigators described as a rough, slinging motion. The movement allegedly caused the boy to swing through the air.

The child was reportedly visibly upset after the encounter. According to the affidavit, he crawled underneath his desk while crying and yelling.

Boy Allegedly Told Teacher He Could Not Breathe

The allegations continued when Adkisson reportedly moved the desk and pinned the child against the wall.

The paraprofessional told authorities that the boy was crying and telling the teacher that he was hurting him. The child also allegedly said he “could not breathe,” according to the arrest affidavit.

Investigators said Adkisson eventually released the boy and told him he was “not hurt” before walking away. The paraprofessional’s account formed a key part of the investigation into what happened inside the classroom.

Authorities have not reported a finding of great bodily harm in connection with the charges. Adkisson has been accused of child abuse, and the allegations have not been proven in court.

Police Say Another Incident Happened Earlier That Day

Investigators also looked into an earlier interaction between Adkisson and the student on the same day. According to the affidavit, the teacher allegedly picked up the boy after he skipped a line and carried him to the back of the area.

When detectives later spoke with the child, he reportedly said Adkisson had struck him on both sides of his stomach with closed hands.

The affidavit states that the boy remembered the other incident but could not provide additional details. The two reported encounters led to the two child abuse counts filed against the teacher, according to the sheriff’s office.

Teacher Arrested and Released on Bond

Adkisson was arrested at his home and taken to the Flagler County Jail. He subsequently posted a $5,000 bond and was released.

According to the information provided in the case, Adkisson declined to speak with detectives. His next court date was scheduled for November 17. The charges remain allegations, and the case will proceed through the legal system.

Sheriff Responds to Allegations

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly addressed the case in a statement, emphasizing the responsibility adults have when caring for children in school settings.

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“Parents entrust teachers to provide a safe learning environment for their children. Some special needs students can be challenging but everyone who works with these children must always keep their cool,” Staly said.

He also cautioned against allowing the allegations to overshadow the work of other school employees.

“This is an unfortunate incident, but this should not taint the professional and hard-working faculty and staff, which do an outstanding job with our children. But let me be clear: Abuse of any kind, especially at the hands of a trusted adult, will not be tolerated.”

School District Places Teacher on Administrative Leave

Flagler County Schools told that Adkisson had been placed on administrative leave following the incident.

The investigation has raised questions about how the alleged classroom encounters unfolded and what happened after school officials were notified.

For now, the criminal case centers on the two allegations described in the arrest affidavit, the statements provided to investigators and the charges filed against Adkisson.

What steps do you think schools should take to protect special needs students and ensure concerns about classroom treatment are addressed promptly? Share your thoughts in the comments below.