Elementary school teacher accused of choking 6-year-old, Colorado police say

An elementary school teacher accused of choking a 6-year-old has been placed on leave, Colorado school officials reported.

Teacher Joshua David Wainscott, 40, faces charges of assault-strangulation and child abuse in the incident at Maplewood Elementary School, the Greeley Police Department said in a Wednesday, Sept. 18, news release.

Police were notified Aug. 30 and opened an investigation leading to Wainscott’s arrest Sept. 12, officers wrote.

School officials suspended Wainscott on Sept. 3, the Greeley-Evans School District 6 said in a letter to parents provided to McClatchy News.

A police affidavit acquired by KDVR said school video showed Wainscott grab a student in a headlock and carry him inside the school.

The student told police he tried to kick Wainscott to free himself, but the teacher tightened his grip, making it hard for him to breathe, the station reported. Wainscott didn’t make a statement to police on the incident.

Wainscott, a library media teacher, has been with the district since 2008, school officials said.

“The safety and security of our students and staff is always our top priority,” the letter to parents said. “We take these allegations very seriously and deeply regret any emotional or physical harm to a child under our care.”

Greeley is about a 60-mile drive northeast from Denver.

This story was originally published September 18, 2024 at 10:54 AM with the headline "Elementary school teacher accused of choking 6-year-old, Colorado police say."