NEW YORK CITY, NY — Luis Benalcazar, a 75-year-old employee of the New York City Department of Education, was arrested Monday afternoon for allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old student. The incident occurred at the Brooklyn Transition Center, a specialized school that helps students with autism, sensory impairments, and emotional disabilities.
Benalcazar was arrested at approximately 1:30 p.m. in Brooklyn and charged with third-degree assault, a misdemeanor. According to authorities, he is accused of shoving the student while working on duty.
The school, which provides support to students with special needs, lists Benalcazar as an employee on its website. In response to the incident, Jenna Lye, deputy press secretary for the New York City Department of Education, stated that the employee had been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
“This alleged behavior is completely unacceptable,” said Lye. “If convicted, we will pursue termination. There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our students.”
The Brooklyn Transition Center has not responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.