Police Investigate Alleged Restraint of Autistic Pupil
The Mossos d'Esquadra are investigating after a mother reported that her eight-year-old son with autism and ADHD was physically restrained and locked in a school yard at Les Arrels school in Mollerussa, Lleida. The boy, in third year of primary school, was allegedly held by the arms by two staff members after one observed him possibly about to throw a pencil sharpener, according to the mother’s account reported by El Segre and confirmed by police sources. She stated that the child was then dragged to an outdoor area and locked in with a key. The incident reportedly triggered severe anxiety, leading the boy to break a door’s glass in an attempt to escape.
Medication Request Denied, Family Claims
The mother said her son asked for prescribed crisis medication during the episode but did not receive it, despite the school having medical guidelines outlining how to manage such situations. After collecting her son from the school, she found him highly distressed and complaining of arm pain. A medical visit confirmed physical injuries, after which she formally reported the incident to the Mossos d'Esquadra, calling the staff’s actions inappropriate.
The family has long-standing concerns about how the school handles the boy’s crises, despite existing medical protocols.
The school confirmed it contacted the family and alerted police following the incident. The centre’s management has referred the case to the Education Department’s legal services to ensure student welfare. No individuals have been identified or formally accused, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Primary sources: dsp.interior.gencat.cat. Reported by catalunyapress.cat, cronicaglobal.elespanol.com, zocalopublico.com, cronicanegra.com, laprensarosa.net, ARA, lavanguardia.com, segre.com, cronicaglobal.cat.
