Avon – Town officials on Tuesday said a school resource officer followed policy when he handcuffed a 10-year-old boy and drove him home after a playground scuffle at school.
According to the Vail Daily, Avon Elementary School Principal Barbara Collins said the officer “moved forward” without her knowledge in handcuffing the boy on Feb. 17.
“The officer acted independently of the schools,” Eagle County School District Superintendent John Brendza said. “I don’t condone it. He didn’t communicate what he intended to do.” The fifth-grader returned to school Monday. Collins said the officer, David Wineman, is no longer at the school. She said another resource officer won’t be at the school until both that officer and administrators have better training.
Greg Webb, the boy’s father said his son is traumatized by the experience.
“We’ve had good experience with officers in the past,” Webb said. “I don’t understand it. To traumatize my 10-year-old boy, it’s infuriating.” Town officials haven’t released public records, but based on statements from the child and from Collins, the officer handcuffed the boy when he threatened to hurt himself.
Webb said the boy said that when the officer told him that his parents could go to jail for his behavior at school, while Collins said she heard the statement but didn’t know the context.
“The student was handcuffed because the officer felt the student’s safety, as well as the safety of the other children, was at risk,” according a statement released by the town.
Webb said he’s wants an apology from police, and the school to be straightforward about its involvement.
“I think the school is still confused about what happened,” Webb said.
Town officials said they aren’t releasing information “out of respect for the family” and because it would be contrary to public interest.
