Teacher Assistant Charged After Stepping On Preschooler's Leg At School: Police

DUMFRIES, VA — A teacher's assistant faces criminal charges after authorities claimed she stepped on a student's leg at the Washington-Reid Preschool Center, according to the Prince William County Police Department.

The victim, a 5-year-old boy, did not report any injuries.

Authorities identified the teacher's assistant as 54-year-old Sharon Lee Bryan of Dumfries. Bryan is charged with one count of assault and battery. Her court date is pending and she has been released on a summons.

If convicted, Bryan could face up to one year in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

The incident occurred during the school day on Tuesday at the Washington-Reid Preschool Center on Dumfries Road. Authorities said the victim was in the gymnasium with Bryan when she placed him on a chair. The student got out of the chair and sat on the ground; Bryan then stepped on the boy's leg, according to the police report.

Other school employees saw what happened and reported it to administrators who told the police department. Bryan was criminally charged on Wednesday after an investigation.