Queens public school paraprofessional arrested for punching special needs student
A Queens public school paraprofessional punched a special needs student in the face during an argument over the victim wanting to leave the classroom, police said Thursday.
The student, a 17-year-old girl who is autistic, bipolar and schizophrenic, asked to leave the classroom at the Robin Sue Ward School in Fresh Meadows about 1:25 p.m. Wednesday. When the paraprofessional told her she needed to say in the classroom, the student scratched him in the face — and he responded by punching her in the face, cops said.
The girl suffered a bruised eye and swollen lip but she did not require medical attention, police said.
Victor Hernandez, 51, was charged with assault, endangering the welfare of an incompetent child and harassment.
