Disturbing footage has appeared to show a Maryland elementary school principal stomping on the foot of an autistic kindergartner.
Former Ritchie Park Elementary School Principal Andrew Winter, 54, was acquitted of assault charges related to the February 9 incident.
However, shocking video obtained by FOX 5 captured the moment he allegedly stepped on the six-year-old’s foot.
Winter, wearing a green jersey, was filmed in the cafeteria allegedly grabbing the child and forcing him to sit down at the table.
He then appeared to look around before he stomped on the kid’s foot, causing the autistic child to cry.
Winter was arrested and charged with second-degree assault in June following a joint investigation by the Rockville City Police Department and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.
He was put on leave until a judge acquitted him of all charges following a five-hour long bench trial in November, reported Bethesda Magazine.
Montgomery County Circuit Judge Sharon Burrell determined there was not enough evidence to convict.
Disturbing footage appears to show Former Ritchie Park Elementary School Principal Andrew Winter stomping on a student’s foot
Winter, 54, was acquitted of assault charges related to the February 9 incident
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‘The allegations against Mr. Winter were tested in a court of law and a judge threw the case out 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 conduct and as we know from watching any NFL football game, one angle often does not show you what actually happened.’
The student’s mother said she was shocked by the judge’s decision and told the local news station ‘it doesn’t mean that he is innocent.’
‘Shocking, scary to know there is video evidence of him physically assaulting my son and now he’s acquitted – I’m still trying to understand that,’ she said.
‘I’m still in shock. it’s been a year – 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 that garnered 639 signatures.
‘Mr. Winter’s concerning behavior and documented inability to manage student behavioral issues raise serious concerns about his suitability for this critical role,’ the petition said.
He appeared to look around before he stomped on the kid’s foot, causing the autistic child to cry
The student’s mother (pictured) said she was shocked by the judge’s decision and told the local news station ‘it doesn’t mean that he is 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 Rock Creek Valley Elementary position.
‘[Winter] has informed Montgomery County Public Schools [MCPS] that he no longer wished to be assigned to Rock Creek Valley Elementary or any in-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 at your school.’
A school district spokesperson told the local magazine that Winter will continue to be employed with them.