Adam Verastegui was an instructional assistant with Northside ISD and assigned to the Autism Unit at Taft High School.
SAN ANTONIO — Authorities have arrested a man after he allegedly hit a student diagnosed with autism in the face with a “closed fist” while employed at a Northside ISD high school in San Antonio.
Adam Verastegui, 47, was hired as an instructional assistant for the district in 2018, and had been assigned to the Autism Unit at Taft High School at the time of the crime.
According to an arrest affidavit, Verastegui struck the student diagnosed with autism, a speech impairment and an intellectual ability in the face on Jan. 23. The student was evaluated and reportedly had “some redness” on his chin, which is where he said Verastegui had hit him.
Verastegui could be seen committing the crime on surveillance footage, the affidavit states.
He was immediately placed on administrative leave without pay. He was also arrested and faces an injury to a child charge.