Disturbing footage has emerged showing an elementary school principal in Maryland stomping on the foot of an autistic toddler.
Former Ritchie Park Primary School principal Andrew Winter, 54, was cleared of assault charges in connection with the February 9 incident.
Shocking video obtained by FOX 5 captured the moment he allegedly stepped on the six-year-old’s foot.
Winter, wearing a green sweater, was filmed in the cafeteria grabbing the child and forcing him to sit at the table.
He then appeared to look around before stomping on the child’s foot, causing the autistic child to cry.
Winter was arrested in June and charged with second-degree assault following a joint investigation by Rockville City Police and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.
He was placed on leave until a judge acquitted him of all charges after a five-hour trial in November. Bethesda Magazine.
Montgomery County Circuit Judge Sharon Burrell ruled there was not enough evidence to convict.
Disturbing footage shows former Ritchie Park Primary School principal Andrew Winter stamping on a student’s foot
Winter, 54, was acquitted of assault charges in connection with the Feb. 9 incident
“The allegations against Mr. Winter were reviewed in court and a judge dismissed the case without Mr. Winter even having to testify,” said Winter’s attorney Dave Martella.
“Some people want to rely on one video from one angle to draw conclusions about Mr. Winter’s behavior. As we know when we watch an NFL football game, one angle often doesn’t show what really happened.”
The student’s mother said she was shocked by the judge’s decision and told the local news station “that this does not mean he is innocent.”
‘Shocking and frightening to know that there is video evidence of him physically assaulting my son and that he has now been acquitted. “I’m still trying to understand that,” she said.
‘I’m still in shock. it’s been a year, I still can’t believe this happened to my now seven year old.’
Following his acquittal, Montgomery County Public Schools reassigned Winter to a temporary assistant principal job at Rock Creek Valley Elementary.
Outraged parents at the new school started a petition expressing their concerns, which attracted 639 signatures.
‘Sir. Winter’s conduct and his documented inability to deal with student behavioral issues raise serious concerns about his suitability for this critical role,” the petition said.
He appeared to look around before stomping on the child’s foot, causing the autistic child to cry
The student’s mother (pictured) said she was shocked by the judge’s decision, telling the local news station ‘it doesn’t mean he’s innocent’
“This appointment, made without any transparency or community input, disregards the needs and safety of our children.”
On Thursday, Winter made the decision to resign from the position at Rock Creek Valley Elementary.
‘[Winter] has informed Montgomery County Public Schools [MCPS] that he no longer wanted to be assigned to Rock Creek Valley Elementary or any other school role in the district,” MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor said in a letter to the community.
“We will honor his request and he will not be placed in your school.”
A spokesperson for the school district told the local publication that Winter will remain employed by them.