PEORIA, Ariz. — A former behavioral therapist at an Arizona autism treatment center is facing felony charges after authorities say surveillance footage captured him kicking a 5-year-old nonverbal child during a therapy session.
According to court documents and statements from the Peoria Police Department, 42-year-old Adolfo Salas was arrested on charges of child abuse and aggravated assault of a minor following an incident that allegedly occurred at Soar Autism Center in Peoria.
Investigators say the incident took place during a one-on-one session with a 5-year-old child diagnosed with autism.
Police allege that surveillance video showed the child, who was reportedly crying, picking up trash from the floor and placing it into a trash can before the encounter escalated.
Court records indicate that Salas was seen standing near the child before extending his leg toward the child’s head area while the child was on his hands and knees.
Although the child was not fully visible in the footage due to camera positioning, officers reported that the child could be heard crying immediately afterward.
Authorities said the child later entered what investigators described as an emotional crisis. The child was subsequently treated at a hospital for a minor bruise beneath one eye.
According to investigators, Salas later told a coworker that he had “accidentally” kicked the child while attempting to move a chair. However, police said their review of the surveillance footage raised questions about that explanation.
Following the incident, Soar Autism Center terminated Salas’ employment and notified law enforcement. In a statement provided to families, the center said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any conduct that compromises the safety or well-being of children in its care.
During a court appearance, prosecutors argued that the case was particularly serious because the alleged victim is nonverbal and would have been unable to independently describe the incident. A judge ultimately set Salas’ bond at $5,000 and ordered that he wear an ankle monitor if released from custody.
The case remains pending, and Salas is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the investigation. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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