SAN ANTONIO, Texas– A high school employee was taken into custody for reportedly assaulting a student with autism.
The suspect, Adam Verastegui, was working as an Instructional Assistant at Taft High School within the Northside Independent School District.
Officials claim that Verastegui struck the student in the face using a closed fist.
According to school officials, Verastegui was responsible for assisting students in the Autism Unit, a program specifically designed to support students with autism spectrum disorders.
His role included helping with academic tasks and providing behavioral support as needed. The district expressed shock over the allegations and stated that any act of violence against students is unacceptable.
The district has placed Verastegui on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. This measure is a standard procedure in such situations, allowing the district to conduct a thorough review without interruption.
Parents of students in the Autism Unit have been alerted to the incident, and the district is providing support to the affected students and their families.
Law enforcement officials are also conducting their investigation. Authorities were called to the school following a report of the altercation.
