‘Zero tolerance’: Therapist arrested, accused of kicking 5-year-old child with autism at care center

PEORIA, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) - A now-former behavioral therapist is accused of kicking a child with autism during a one-on-one session at an Arizona care facility.

Peoria police said 42-year-old Adolfo Salas has been arrested on felony charges of child abuse and aggravated assault of a minor.

The alleged assault occurred at the Soar Autism Center. Police said they were notified that an employee, a master registered behavioral technician, had kicked a 5-year-old nonverbal child in the face.

According to court documents, surveillance video of the encounter provided to police showed a crying child picking up trash from the floor and placing it in a trash can.

Salas could also be seen kneeling next to the child, grabbing the trash can and saying “thank you” before standing up.

While the child was still on his hands and knees, documents said Salas was seen drawing his right leg back and extending it toward the boy’s head.

Although the child was not visible in the video because the camera was positioned behind Salas, officers said the boy could be heard crying.

Police said the footage then showed Salas staring at the child, who appeared to go into an “emotional crisis.”

The boy was reportedly seen spitting on Salas and throwing objects at him before Salas backed the child against the wall.

Authorities said Salas was then told to leave the room while another employee consoled the child, who police said appeared visibly upset.

The 5-year-old was taken to a hospital and treated for a small bruise beneath his left eye.

Peoria police said Salas was taken into custody at his home Thursday. He declined to answer questions and requested an attorney.

Prosecutors asked that Salas’ bond be set at $100,000 because of the circumstances.

“Had there not been some sort of video recording, which did allegedly record the incident, there was no way for this child to be able to tell anyone about the assault,” Ashley Stetson of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said.

A judge ultimately set Salas’ bond at $5,000 with a stipulation that if released, he must wear an ankle monitor. He was also not allowed to go back to the care center, where he no longer works.

Salas is scheduled to appear in court on June 10.

“We have zero tolerance for this and any behavior that compromises the safety or well-being of the children entrusted to our care,” the care center said in a message to families.

The message said staff took immediate action by firing Salas and notifying police.