Incident at Matanzas High School

A 60-year-old substitute teacher in Florida is accused of kicking a student with disabilities and telling a colleague he did it because the child kicked him first, allegedly declaring the two were 'square' as a…

“Now we're square”

Arrest and charges

Bryan Schewitz was arrested and charged with child abuse without great bodily harm following the incident at Matanzas High School, authorities announced.

Probable cause affidavit

According to a probable cause affidavit, the assistant principal told a school resource deputy on Oct. 16 that Schewitz was accused of kicking the student.

Witness account

A witness told investigators she saw Schewitz 'forcefully' move the student into a chair because he was having a 'behavioral episode.'

“The gloves are off”

Witness concerns

The witness said she believed Schewitz was typically 'too rough with kids,' which made her uncomfortable, and that he had been 'way too rough with the student' that day.

Paraprofessional account

A school paraprofessional told investigators that he witnessed Schewitz kick the student and said the kick left a 'large mark' on the boy's leg.

“large mark”

Schewitz's response

When he asked Schewitz how the student got the mark on his leg, Schewitz allegedly replied, 'He kicked me and I kicked him. So now we're square.'

“He kicked me and I kicked him. So now we're square.”

Student's account

When the assistant principal asked the student what had happened to his leg, he allegedly replied, 'Bryan kicked.'

“Bryan kicked”

Injury photos

Investigators photographed marks on the front of the student's left leg, the affidavit says.The student's mother later contacted deputies and reported that there was 'skin missing' from her son's leg where he was allegedly kicked.

“skin missing”

Schewitz's interview

In an interview after being read his Miranda rights, Schewitz allegedly said the student had arrived late, would not sit down or do the classwork, and then kicked him in the leg.

Schewitz's explanation

Schewitz said he stuck out his foot to block the student and 'kicked him by accident.'

“kicked him by accident”

Schewitz's training

Schewitz also acknowledged using force to get the student into a chair.He said he placed the student's hands on the table and held them there while sternly telling him that 'the gloves were coming off.'

“the gloves were coming off”

Training certification

The school district's lead behavior specialist told investigators Schewitz 'did not have proper training' from the district to use the redirection techniques he described.

“did not have proper training”

Sheriff's statement

When adults are trusted to be working with children, especially those who require extra care because of disabilities, they are expected to be the levelheaded ones in any situation and not lose control of their…

Release and court date

Schewitz was booked into the Flagler County Jail and released after posting bond of $2,500. He is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on Nov. 17, records show.