A Christian school teacher in Florida was arrested after she allegedly slammed a special needs student on the floor.
Nikol Marie Rodriguez was arrested on Thursday and charged with one count of child abuse for the disturbing incident.
The 29-year-old teacher was placed into custody at Primera Iglesia Hispana De La Biblia Abierta in Hialeah, which also operates as the Peace Christian Academy, according to the Miami Herald.
After a day at the Christian school in early March, an 8-year-old boy was discovered with bruises, scratches, and a puncture wound by his mother.
Rodriguez was the 'primary educator' of the boy who has autism and ADHD since he started in August of 2024, said officials.
Police noted that classroom-security footage from March 4 captured the woman grabbing the boy to face her in an 'aggressive manner.'
While sitting behind the boy, she allegedly pulled his arm behind him, forcing his shoulders into a painful position as he struggled.
The teacher reportedly positioned her leg over the boy's thigh. He 'rocked his torso back, forth, and side to side, while moving his legs back and forth, appearing to be in agony,' police wrote in the arrest affidavit cited by the Herald.
Nikol Marie Rodriguez, 29, was arrested on Thursday on one count of child abuse with no great bodily harm after allegedly abusing her 8-year-old student who has autism and ADHD
Rodriguez was arrested at Primera Iglesia Hispana De La Biblia Abierta in Hialeah, Florida which also operates as the Peace Christian Academy
She then flipped the student onto his back and placed her hands on his chest, using her leg to keep his lower body still.
Officials added that she slammed the boy's head and body onto the ground.
The struggle continued while Rodriguez restrained the boy by holding his torso, neck, and head as she sat on top of him.
As the alleged abuse was taking place, another student covered his eyes and ears, said officials.
The boy repeatedly attempted to escape from the teacher by trying to push off a wall, but Rodriguez allegedly managed to keep him pinned down.
The student escaped for a moment before she reportedly jumping on his back and holding his arms behind him.
Before he was finally let free, Rodriguez allegedly shoved the boy down once more, causing him to fall into a table.
She then tidied up the room and attended to the boy who was frightened by the altercation.
Officials added that Rodriguez did not call for medical assistance following the incident.
Officials said the boy was 'simply sitting in place' and showed no threatening behavior.
According to court records seen by the Herald, the teacher was released from jail after posting bond.