A Flagler County middle school employee is accused of assaulting a disabled student

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) – An Indian Trails Middle School employee has been charged with child abuse after she was caught on camera hitting a disabled student in an unprovoked attack.

“School employees have a difficult job in today's environment, but this was an unprovoked attack and the school district took immediate action to protect students from this aggressive employee,” said Sheriff Rick Staly.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) reported that on September 25, it was notified by the Florida Department of Children and Families that 69-year-old Cheryl Andrews had hit a student in the cafeteria.

Officers said they were given access to the school's CCTV footage, which captured the moment Andrews approached the non-verbal student from behind and punched him.

According to FCSO, the video shows the student reacting by rubbing her head and pointing. Andrews then allegedly aggressively pushed the student's head and pulled him toward him.

See also: High school teacher with controversial history arrested in Martin Co. drug investigation

The report states that Flagler Schools immediately suspended Andrews after the incident was announced.

FCSO said a witness told them Andrews was “very aggressive toward all students.”

In a conversation with investigators, Andrews allegedly admitted to hitting the child without provocation and said she “didn't know why she did it.” She also admitted that she was aware that the student had a disability.

Andrews was charged with child molestation without great bodily harm.

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