Teacher Accused of Assaulting Autistic Boy

Parents of a five-year-old nonverbal autistic boy have filed a lawsuit against the Bethel School District. The complaint, lodged in Pierce County Superior Court, alleges that a special education teacher physically and verbally assaulted their son within his kindergarten classroom at Camas Prairie Elementary School.

The incident reportedly occurred on September 30, 2025. Court documents state that after the child threw his lunchbox, the teacher allegedly picked him up by his collar and shoulders, screamed at him, and later bent him over a chair, hitting him on the buttocks. The teacher admitted to swatting the child during a subsequent investigation.

Further allegations include that another educator witnessed the assault and failed to report it as required. This educator also reportedly hit another student on the hand. The abuse reportedly came to light only after a third paraeducator reported the incident, prompting a Sheriff's Office investigation. The child no longer attends the school.