Police investigate accusation of unlawful restraint at elementary school in Garland
The staff in an elementary classroom in Garland was being investigated Friday for possible unlawful restraint of a student, according to police.
Police were investigating whether a teacher had unlawfully restrained one or more students at Shorehaven Elementary, Lt. Pedro Barineau with Garland police said.
Barineau said the teacher worked in a pre-K or kindergarten class that included children with disabilities.
The restraint used was something other than hands, Barineau said, but said he could not provide further details due to the pending investigation.
“We don’t know if criminal charges are going to be filed,” he said. “That will be communicated with the Dallas County District Attorney office in regards to criminal intent.”
Detectives were interviewing school staff and witnesses to determine if a crime was committed, Barineau said.
He added no injuries were reported to police as of Saturday afternoon.
In a statement, a Garland ISD spokeswoman said the district reported the allegations to the Garland police department.
“Whenever there is an issue that involves the safety and security of students, we take it very seriously and respond promptly,” the statement said. “There were allegations made about staff in one classroom at Shorehaven Elementary. Staff in that classroom were placed on leave while reports/allegations are being investigated.”
This story was originally published January 11, 2019 at 8:21 PM.
