Delaware teacher accused of hitting student
A 31-year-old teacher at the Delaware Autistic Program in Newark turned herself in to police this morning, following charges she hit one of her students.
Danielle Finlay is accused of striking a 17-year-old male student in the head in her classroom because he was making noises. Delaware State Police says an investigation into the incident began in early March, after Delaware Autistic Program administrators contacted them. According to State Police, a witness observed the incident claiming when the student continued to make noises, Finlay struck him a second time with an empty water bottle. The victim was not injured.
Finlay was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.
The Christina School District says Finlay has been on paid leave since the incident occurred on March 7, pending the outcome of the investigation.
While the Delaware Autistic Program falls in the Christina School District, district officials say it is a statewide program.
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