Cranston school employee accused of assaulting student with developmental disabilities

CRANSTON, R.I. — A staff member at a private school in Cranston has been arrested after police say she assaulted a 6-year-old student with significant developmental impairments.

Officers were called to Ocean State Academy on Elmwood Avenue around 9 a.m. Tuesday after a parent reported a possible assault involving their child.

According to Cranston Police Col. Michael Winquist, investigators reviewed video that showed a staff member striking the child multiple times with an open hand inside a classroom.

Police said the footage was captured on a device worn by the employee.

Following the investigation, police obtained an arrest warrant for Timesha Harley, 32. She is being charged with 1 count of assault on a person with severe impairments.

Harley was located at her Providence home just after 5 p.m. Tuesday and taken into custody.

Police said Harley was immediately terminated from her position once the school became aware of the alleged incident.

She was arraigned at Cranston police headquarters and released on $10,000 personal recognizance. As part of her release conditions, she is prohibited from contacting the victim.

Harley is scheduled to appear in District Court in Warwick on April 23.