This is a sad story for AvaLynn while justice is being read around the world for the 5 yr old who was injured in a playground accident on Aug. 26 when she returned home from school with a swollen eyes, and cut face from injuries at Arlington Elementary school
Her mother Lacey Harris said that another child in AvaLynn’s class had assaulted her and her daughter was “kicked multiple times in the face until she fell off the slide.” She set up an online account on her Facebook page called JusticeforAvaLynn,
Her Facebook page had more than 88,000 likes by Tuesday afternoon and the GoFundMe.com site, with 4,600 shares, had almost reached its goal of $10,000 on Tuesday night.
City police are now investigating the playground incident, interviewing 4 adult witnesses and the superintendent is declining interviews until both investigations are complete.
People expressed concerns such as a lack of police involvement and the possibility of bullying going unpunished.
Police Chief Kenny Johnson said contrary to earlier reports police are investigating.
But based on what Harris said in the police report, “it wouldn’t be a criminal investigation,” Johnson said. “If a 5-year-old injures another 5-year-old, that’s not a criminal act.”
He said officials are working to determine what happened and if an adult was involved. But he said, “There is nothing indicating an adult was involved in the actual injuries.”
He said the state Department of Human Services is participating in the investigation and will be doing comprehensive follow-up interviews.
The Pascagoula School District confirmed a child was injured on playground equipment, but said Tuesday no other children were involved.
It said the matter has been turned over to its insurance company “for further handling.”
School interviews adults
The school district said it interviewed four adults who were present at the time to determine that AvaLynn wasn’t kicked on a slide.
Debbie Anglin, Pascagoula schools spokeswoman, said the schools have security cameras, but there are no cameras on the playgrounds. Pascagoula residents have started a petition to address that issue.
Anglin did not dispute the incident happened on the playground, and said, “The parent was contacted and the student received medical treatment.”
About Post Author
So me as a 17 year old has every right to harm another 17 year old? It’s not a crime, ya know because if 5 year olds do it to one another and not swat is done, why should I get in trouble for assault? Believe me when I say this 3+ kids have MORE than enough since to decipher right from wrong. I hate that she was done like that and hasn’t gotten the justice she deserves!!!