Police charge teacher with breaking student’s arm

FAYETTEVILLE, NC (AP) — A Fayetteville teacher is accused of breaking a five-year-old student’s arm while trying to apply what’s called a therapeutic hold. Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Debbie Tanna says Jackie Bennett faces assault and child abuse charges. The 57-year-old teaches students with disabilities at J.W. Coon Elementary School in Fayetteville.

Bennett told police he was trying to apply a therapeutic hold meant to stop a child from injuring themselves or others.

Cumberland County schools spokeswoman Theresa Perry says Bennett has been suspended with pay pending an investigation.

Bennett is free on a $25,000 bond. He was scheduled to appear in Cumberland County court on Thursday. It could not be immediately determined if he has a lawyer.

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