GREELEY, Colo. — An elementary school teacher faces a felony assault charge after an August incident where he's accused of assaulting a 6-year-old student, according to Greeley Police.
Joshua David Wainscott, 40, was arrested on Sept. 12. He was booked into the Weld County Jail and booked on charges of second-degree assault–strangulation, which is a felony. He also faces a misdemeanor child abuse charge.
According to Greeley Police, a school resource officer was notified of the assault which occurred at Maplewood Elementary at 1201 21st Avenue. Officers responded and spoke with the student and their guardian.
The Greeley-Evans School District 6 Administrators and District 6 Security also notified the police who opened a criminal investigation.
According to a letter sent to parents on Friday, Wainscott, who is the Library Media Teacher, was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 3. He remains on administrative leave and has been employed with the district since August 4, 2008.
"The safety and security of our students and staff is always our top priority. We take these allegations very seriously and deeply regret any emotional or physical harm to a child under our care, " the district's letter says. "To protect the child in this case, we will not be providing any details of the incident or any information that could interfere with the police investigation or prosecution."
Anyone with information about the incident who has not already spoken with officers should contact the school resource officer at 970-350-9605.