A school resource officer in North Carolina was placed on paid leave after security footage showed him body-slamming an 11-year-old student.
The sheriff’s deputy was on duty at Vance County Schools when he yanked the 11-year-old student off the ground and threw him down. He did that twice before dragging the child down the hallway. There was no audio of the incident between the officer and the student.
Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame said he was “shocked” when he saw the footage of the incident and decided to turn over the investigation into the school resource officer to state authorities to ensure his deputy is brought to justice if found guilty of assaulting the child.
“We went over and when we first saw the video, we were stunned, we were shocked. We all are parents and grandparents that have children at that same age, so it brought some great concern to us,” Brame explained.
The child’s sister said her brother would be alright following the incident, but his father has kept him home from school while he recovers. The severity of his injuries will determine the charges brought against the officer, according to Vance County District Attorney Mike Waters.
“When the collection of evidence is over, whether it’s sometime early next week, or some time thereafter, we will promptly make a decision about what is appropriate to do in this case,” Water noted.
In a statement, the school said, “We are deeply concerned by the actions that took place. I don’t expect my deputy or any deputy or law enforcement in North Carolina to carry out their duties in that way.”
The school said it is cooperating with the investigation, adding, “The safety of our students has been and continues to be of the utmost importance to our district.”
Waters added that he’s assured the family that the investigation will be “conducted properly” if charges are brought against the officer.
UPDATE: The school resource officer involved in the incident has been fired by the Vance County Sheriff’s Department. Brame confirmed that the officer was no longer employed by the department, saying in a statement: “We appreciate all concerns regarding this matter. However, we will ask that everyone will remain patient while this investigation is ongoing.”
