According to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, a high school student in Palm Coast, Florida, has been arrested for aggravated battery with bodily harm after thrashing a school employee who took away his Nintendo Switch device.
The 17-year-old student from Matanzas High School was taken into custody on Feb. 21 and has since been turned over to the state Department of Juvenile Justice, KRDO reports.
Student Beats Up School Employee Over Nintendo Switch
According to an arrest report, the student had repeatedly threatened to "beat up" the school employee whenever she confiscated his portable video game console.
(TW: Violence) Here is the video of the reported attack:
Deputies in #Florida released surveillance footage of a student assaulting a high school teacher's assistant after she took his #Nintendo Switch away during class. The violent incident occurred at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, Florida. pic.twitter.com/ibnt6h3eK8
— Dr. David. PE, MBA, JD (@DaveDuke007) February 26, 2023
The student, who stands roughly 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 270 pounds, is captured on surveillance footage charging at the employee and knocking and beating her to the ground.
Several onlookers pulled him away after he repeatedly punched and kicked the victim. The attacker looked even more relentless when people intervened as he went to throw a couple more kicks and punches at the already unconscious school employee.
According to footage now circulating on social media, the attack lasted approximately 30 seconds.
The employee was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment, while authorities transferred the student to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. The incident has raised concerns regarding the safety of both school personnel and students.
Attack Sparked Outrage Among Parents
Sheriff Rick Staly stated in a news release that the student's actions were "absolutely horrendous and completely uncalled for." He expressed hope that the victim would recover mentally and physically from the incident and thanked the students and faculty who rushed to her aid before school resource deputies arrived.
Cathy Mittelstadt, superintendent of Flagler County Schools, stressed the significance of creating a safe learning and working environment on school campuses. She stated that violence is never an acceptable response and that ensuring the safety of all employees and students is crucial.
The school district has not commented on her medical condition because of respect for the victim's privacy. The incident, however, has sparked outrage and concern among parents and community members, who have called for stricter security measures in schools.
People Online Shocked
The recent incident has caused shock and outrage online. The video has sparked condemnation of the student's actions and raised concerns about the current state of safety in the education system.
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Some social media users also expressed frustration at the lack of resources and support for special needs students. One user called for increased funding for special needs teachers and aides to help students with social interactions.
Another user called for the perpetrator to be charged with attempted murder, stating that the violent attack was more than an assault or battery.
As the investigation continues, the school district and law enforcement officials collaborate to ensure the necessary steps are taken to prevent similar incidents. In the meantime, the community has rallied around the victim and her family, offering support and prayers for her complete recovery.
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