Police said they have arrested an assistant teacher at an Osceola County elementary school for child abuse after investigators said he violently shook a 6-year-old special needs student.
Officers responded Thursday to Flora Ridge Elementary School, where a school employee reported the incident in the cafeteria.
The witness told police Franklin Santos Jr., 26, a teacher's aide at the school, instructed a female student from a special needs class to pick up a tray. The student, who is autistic, then refused and threw herself to the floor.
Police said Santos then picked up the student and started repeatedly shaking her in an aggressive manner. The victim did not appear to have any injuries, investigators said.
Santos has worked with the school district on various occasions since 2008.
Although this is an isolated incident, investigators said they will look into Santos' past.
"Obviously, we will look to see if there were any other incidents at the school," said Stacie Miller, public information officer for the Kissimmee Police Department.
School officials said Santos won't be back at the school while the investigation is ongoing.
Santos was taken into custody, and police said he did not cooperate with detectives. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail on $1,000 bond.
The Florida Department of Children and Families said it is investigating the incident.