Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
COVINGTON, La. (WGNO) — The Covington Police Department is investigating after two school employees were arrested for allegedly hurting a student with a disability.
According to officers, on May 28, they were called to respond to an incident at E.E. Lyon Elementary School involving a teacher and paraprofessional.
The news of the arrests has spread quickly.
“I’ve never heard anything going on at that school before this is a first,” said Covington resident Stephanie.
Police say the footage caught on the cameras in the classroom proved to be invaluable due to the nature of the victim’s communication abilities.
The video allegedly caught 44-year-old Catherine Mumphrey and 71-year-old Lauren Brenckle “engaged in what amounted to battery” on a student with disabilities.
Both are no longer school system employees, and Covington resident Chris Wagner hopes the teachers were fired on the spot.
“Because there is no excuse. A for a teacher to abuse a child and a disabled child especially. I mean there is just no excuse for that,” said Wagner.
Stephanie lives down the street from the school and is angry hearing the news saying she also has a disability.
“Children shouldn’t be mistreated or mishandled at all. God treats us all the same so why would you do a special needs child? No,” said Stephanie.
St. Tammany Parish Public School Superintendent Frank Jabbia says “Student safety is our top priority, and this type of behavior is absolutely unacceptable. We took immediate and appropriate action in this situation and are committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment in our schools for all of our students.”
Wagner says he is just thankful cameras were in the room, and happy the school took immediate action.
“Makes me feel better about the situation. I mean, there is nothing good about it, but that the school would act quickly says something good,” said Wagner.
Covington Police Chief Michael Ferrell adds they take allegations of abuse against children very seriously and will thoroughly investigate any such claims.
According to the CPD, the investigation is ongoing, and further details won’t be released from police.
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