MARGATE, Fla. – A 54-year-old teacher at an elementary school in Broward County has been arrested after she was captured on surveillance video assaulting a kindergartner, authorities said.
According to her arrest report, the incident occurred on Oct. 10 at Margate Elementary School in front of other students and staff members.
Police said surveillance video shows the student sitting on the floor of a hallway with a group of other students prior to class starting when he threw a piece of paper in the direction of another student.
Police said Khadijah Tynnettta Muhammad, who is not the boy’s teacher, approached the child in “an aggressive manner and physically grabbed him by his left wrist.”
“She continued to lift him off the ground by his arms, twist his arms and grabbed him by the back of his shirt while shoving him across the hallway,” an officer wrote in the arrest report. “She ripped the jacket off his back and continuously grabbed the student by his arms, wrists, shirt and jacket until the altercation ended. Towards the end of the video, which was partially blocked from the camera view, she appeared to grab him around his neck and slam him to the ground.”
Local 10 News spoke with parents of students that attend Margate Elementary School who said they were disturbed to hear of the allegations.
“I know our kids may act out at times, but if there’s a problem, leave the disciplining to the parents,” said Nikki Glasco.
“It’s very disgusting to know that that happened,” said Marilyn White, whose child also attends Margate Elementary School. “I would have never expected that from Margate.”
Police said the attack on the student lasted for about two minutes in front of other students and staff members.
Muhammad was later arrested at her home in Lauderdale Lakes on a child abuse charge.
Local 10 News visited Muhammad’s home, but her husband didn’t have much to say when speaking to reporter Cody Weddle through a doorbell camera.
“Is it true at all? Any truth to the allegations?” asked Weddle.
“We have no comment sir. No comment!” Muhammad’s husband replied.
As of Friday, Muhammad was still employed by the school district.
“The safety and well-being of students are always our highest priority,” the school district said in a statement to Local 10 News Friday. “The school is working closely with law enforcement regarding this situation, and the teacher involved has been reassigned away from students and the school pending the outcome of the case. We defer to the Margate Police Department for any additional details they can provide regarding their investigation.”