Charges dropped against man accused of slapping autistic boy

By Associated Press

Summary

Charges have been dropped against a retired coach accused of hitting an 7-year-old autistic boy who was having a "meltdown" in the Richland Public Library.

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Story Published: Nov 6, 2009 at 8:15 AM PST

Story Updated: Nov 6, 2009 at 8:15 AM PST

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) - Charges have been dropped against a retired coach accused of hitting an 7-year-old autistic boy who was having a "meltdown" in the Richland Public Library.

A video from the library's surveillance system cleared Frank Teverbaugh. The 76-year-old had been accused by the boy's caregiver of hitting him in the face and causing his nose to bleed during an Aug. 14 visit to the library.

On Tuesday, the Richland city prosecutor, dismissed the misdemeanor charge against Teverbaugh.

Michael Rio told the Tri-City Herald he made the decision after watching the library surveillance video.

No one, including police, had thought to look at the video until Teverbaugh's attorney filed a public records request for it. Officials say most city buildings don't have security cameras.

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Information from: Tri-City Herald