A teacher at a Florida charter school has been arrested on child abuse charges after allegedly throwing a shoe at a student. Sandra Marta Colombo, 61, was taken into custody on Wednesday in Homestead, about 40 miles south of Miami, according to police.
The incident occurred on February 28 at The Charter School at Waterstone, a kindergarten to fifth-grade school. An arrest report obtained by Local 10 News states that Colombo attempted to throw a shoe at a “misbehaving” student but instead struck another pupil in the face. A witness described the shoe as “like a sandal.”
The victim told police during a forensic interview that Colombo threw a shoe and hit her on the forehead. The student stated there were no marks or bruises from the incident. After throwing the shoe, Colombo reportedly said “sorry” and rubbed the victim’s forehead, according to the arrest report.
Colombo invoked her right to an attorney after being taken into custody. In bond court on Thursday, her defence attorney said she had been teaching at the school for 30 years but had since been fired. It is unclear what grade she taught.
The judge ordered Colombo to stay away from the student and released her without bond. The Charter School at Waterstone did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
