The chief of police in Mt. Washington, Kentucky, Marcus Laytham, was fired for failing to investigate a case involving a 10-year-old special needs student at Mt. Washington Elementary School. The incident stemmed from a situation where the student, Gabriel Patton, was confronted by a police officer at school over a cookie-related issue, which escalated due to Gabriel’s autism and behavioral challenges. The officer’s actions, which included intimidating Gabriel and causing distress, were unauthorized and led to community outrage. Mayor Stuart Owen cited a lack of proper investigation into the incident as grounds for Laytham’s termination, effective July 1. Gabriel’s parents, deeply affected by the ordeal, are now seeking a new school and community where Gabriel feels safe.
Attorney Says Mt. Washington Police Officer Berated Autistic Child for Taking a Cookie From School Kitchen
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