Disturbing footage has shown up online, allegedly showing a former principal purposely stepping on an autistic child's foot in the school cafeteria.
Videos by Wide Open Country
According to Fox 5, the incident happened in February 2024 at Ritchie Park Elementary School in Montgomerie County. Authorities charged the former principal, Andrew Winters, with assault.
He was ultimately acquitted, citing a lack of evidence, and transferred to a new school. Winters was reassigned to another school, Rock Creek Vally Elementary, although the report says he has withdrawn from the job following backlash.
The video evidence is quite damning and shows a busy cafeteria full of students. Winters is wearing a green jacket in the corner and is accused of grabbing a child by the clothing. When the child is sitting down, the footage shows Winters allegedly stamping the 6-year-old's shoe. The boy's mother has since revealed that her son has autism.
The video appears to show Winters looking around the room before glancing at the child's foot and treading. The Fox 5 report also alleges that the incident made the child cry. Winters looks around afterward and shakes his head.
Parents Are Concerned About The Former Principle Being Acquitted
During an interview with Fox 5, a reporter asked the boy's mother how she felt about Winters being acquitted. She replied, "Shocking. It's scary to know there is video evidence of him physically assaulting my son and that he was found acquitted. I'm still trying to understand it."
When the reporter said, "In all fairness, he was acquitted for what he allegedly did to your son." The mother replied, "That doesn't mean he's innocent."
According to the Daily Mail, parents with children at Rock Creek Vally Elementary protested Winter's assignment to the school with 639 signatures. The petition allegedly stated:
'Mr. Winter's concerning behavior and documented inability to manage student behavioral issues raise serious concerns about his suitability for this critical role. This appointment, made without any transparency or community input, disregards the needs and safety of our children.'
Regarding the incident, Winter's attorney, Dave Martella, said, "The allegations against Mr. Winter were tested in a court of law, and a judge threw the case out without Mr. Winter even having to testify."
"'Some people want to rely on one video from one angle to draw conclusions about Mr. Winter's conduct, and as we know from watching any NFL football game, one angle often does not show you what actually happened," Martello added.
