February 21st, 2023, FCSO School Resource Deputies at Matanzas High School, responded to reports of a paraprofessional employee being physically attacked on school grounds. The female paraprofessional was found lying on the ground with severe injuries due to an unprovoked attack by a male student.
The 17 year old student was escorted away and taken into custody; he was transported to the Sheriff’s Detention Center and then transferred to the Department of Juvenile Justice. He was charged with Aggravated Battery with Bodily Harm.
The student was angry that the victim had confiscated his Nintendo Switch during a class. The student is described as being 6’6″ and 270lbs. He was seen on camera quickly approaching the female victim and pushing the victim, which caused her to fall to floor, knocking her unconscious. The student then proceeded to hit and kick the unconscious female victim multiple times in the back and head. Others rushed in, in an attempt to help the unconscious woman who was unable to protect herself from the assault. The victim was taken to the hospital to receive treatment for her injuries.
“The actions of this student are absolutely horrendous and completely uncalled for,” said Sheriff Rick
Staly. “We hope the victim will be able to recover, both mentally and physically, from this incident.
Thankfully, students and staff members came to the victim’s aid before the SRDs could arrive. Our
schools should be a safe place – for both employees and students.”
“Creating a safe learning and working environment on our campuses is critical. Violence is never an
appropriate reaction,” said Flagler Schools Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt.
