YORK COUNTY, Va. — A teacher at a York County elementary school was arrested Friday for allegedly assaulting a 6-year-old special needs student.
Elizabeth Anne Sparr, 47, was charged with one count of assault and battery, the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office said.
The incident happened at Mt. Vernon Elementary School on Thursday, according to deputies.
The York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office said it began an immediate investigation once the incident was reported.
“We went to Newport News and took the teacher into custody. So, she has been arrested," said York-Poquoson Sheriff Ron Montgomery.
Montgomery said after gathering information from eyewitnesses, deputies were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Sparr.
“The witness statements were that apparently the child ran from the group that the teacher was involved with and, according to witness statements, when she chased him down, she struck him in the back several times," said York-Poquoson Sheriff Ron Montgomery.
York County School Division said the school's principal reported it to Child Protective Services and notified the student's family.
Officials with the school division said the teacher was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
But Sparr isn’t the only York County educator who was arrested this month.
“I really don’t have an explanation for it. I hope it doesn’t become a trend. But, it’s the second arrest of a teacher within two weeks, yes," Montgomery said.
Warren Hyde, a former substitute teacher at Grafton Middle School, is accused of assaulting a 12-year-old special needs student. Hyde faces three charges including cruelty to a child.