Reston Daycare Teacher Pulled 3-Year-Old’s Hair, Pushed Him: Police

RESTON, VA — A 61-year-old Reston woman was charged with assault and battery after police accused her of assaulting a 3-year-old boy at a local daycare center.

Detectives responded Aug. 7 to Bright Horizons Daycare at 11400 Commerce Park Drive following a report of an assault, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

Investigators said Jaspal Bharaj was employed as a teacher at the daycare when she pulled the child’s hair, pushed his head into a basket and pushed him to the ground.

Bharaj was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery and released on a summons, police said.

Victim specialists with the police department’s Victim Services Division were assigned to help the child and provide appropriate resources and assistance, according to police.

Detectives are seeking information about the reported assault and any potentially related cases. Anyone with information may call the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800 and select option 4.

Anonymous tips may be submitted to Fairfax County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477) or through the P3 Tips app. Anonymous tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward. Those who want a detective to follow up should provide contact information.

The charge is an accusation. Bharaj is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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