School Security Officer Accused Of Abusing Child With Autism

PLANT CITY, FL — A Hillsborough County school security officer has been accused of physically abusing a child with autism.

On Wednesday, teachers at Knights Elementary School in Plant City contacted the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office after they said they witnessed school security officer Michael Lashman, 57, becoming violent with a 9-year-old student with autism. Minutes before the encounter, the child had become verbally disruptive.

Though teachers were able to calm the child, they said Lashman became aware of the incident and confronted the student. Witnesses described Lashman aggressively restraining the child and pulling the child into the building. At that time, child's body struck a doorway. Multiple teachers witnessed the school security officer push the child against a wall once inside the building.

The child suffered minor swelling on the back of the head but did not require medical attention.

After interviewing school staff and the child, a warrant was issued for Lashman's arrest. On Thursday night, he turned himself in at the Orient Road Jail.

"I am horrified by this man's cruelty toward a child," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Hired by the school district to protect our most precious citizens, this school security officer abused his authority to cause bodily harm and emotional distress to a student. I applaud the teachers who witnessed this violent encounter and reported it immediately."

Lashman faces one count of child abuse.