A Florida security guard was charged with child abuse following a confrontation between him and a student.
The incident occurred at Highlands Middle School in Jacksonville, Florida when a student reportedly tried to access the school’s cafeteria.
32-year-old Gregory Holmes had been called to assist a female security officer who had been unable to convince the student to return to class .
The school’s dean, Donald Taft, said Holmes initially tried to block the doorway to the cafeteria before the student “defiantly walked toward the exit” and “locked up” with him.
Holmes and the student then grappled, with the student eventually trying to swing at Holmes.
One witness says they saw Holmes strike the student back, although Holmes claims he did not close his fist when it occurred.
The officer who wrote the Holmes’ arrest report said that school district policy forbids civilian personnel from using physical force on students.
Though neither Holmes nor the student wanted to press charges, Holmes was ultimately charged with aggravated abuse and neglect of a child.
He was also reassigned to “disciplinary surplus” status, which prevents him from having any contact with students.
Kenyannya Wilcox, the principal of the middle school, acknowledged Holmes’ arrest in a statement.
“I hope it demonstrates the extent we will go to protect our children … Please know that we will continue to work diligently to protect the welfare of our students”