<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=46dfEa_0vkyR9EN00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=46dfEa_0vkyR9EN00" width="1320" height="743" >CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The parents of an 11-year-old Chattanooga Prep student with autism say they were in the parking lot of Longhorn Steakhouse when their son was arrested.The parents claim the arrest was due to a false accusation of a threat made against his school.<blockquote>"It was really disheartening to see an 11-year-old get handcuffed and placed in the back of a vehicle,"Kevin Boyer says.</blockquote>A report written by the school's SRO details how the child was accused of making a threat after 3 students reported it to a teacher.The report also says the child explained to the dean that he was not making the threats, but overheard other students talking about a shooting.<blockquote>"As a parent, you know your kid. There were telltale signs that he was telling the truth."</blockquote>Jeff Strand is the Director of Public Policy at the Tennessee Disability Coalition.He says there needs to be a change in the current system to protect and support students with disabilities.<blockquote>"We recognize that we need to protect these kids and serve them in a very individual way in the school setting. But then when you bring in the law, they don't have those types of perfect protections for people with disabilities," Strand says.</blockquote>Strand is calling for lawmakers to listen to experts and work for solutions involving more resources and services. And Boyer agrees.<blockquote>"You have to incorporate the parents within it, especially when you're dealing with a disability, because you can traumatize a child by locking them in a room. What lesson are you teaching the child?"</blockquote>Boyer says the child will face a judge in October.That's when they will find out if the charges stand or if they will be dismissed.Brad Scott, the CEO with Prep Public Schools sent us a statement on the arrest...<blockquote>"Chattanooga Prep’s top priority is the safety and well-being of all our scholars and staff. We take all school threats seriously and ensure we follow the law by reporting any threats to our SRO. Once the SRO and the Sheriff’s office take over the case, the investigation and follow-up are in their hands. We will continue to ensure all safety procedures are followed and that our administration follows the law and local law enforcement direction regarding threat assessments. The school also provides counseling from licensed counselors, town hall meetings led by local community mentors, and other behavior support methods as preventive measures to ensure students and parents know the seriousness of making threats at school."</blockquote></div></body>

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11-year-old Chattanooga student with autism arrested over alleged threat at school

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The parents of an 11-year-old Chattanooga Prep student with autism say they were in the parking lot of Longhorn Steakhouse when their son was arrested. The parents claim the arrest was due to a false accusation of a threat made against his school. \"It was really...

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The parents of an 11-year-old Chattanooga Prep student with autism say they were in the parking lot of Longhorn Steakhouse when their son was arrested. The parents claim the arrest was due to a false accusation of a threat made against his school. "It was really...