Autistic 10-Year-Old Handcuffed, Jailed Overnight in Okeechobee County

A 10-year-old autistic boy was handcuffed by deputies, taken from his school and held in jail overnight in Okeechobee County. Now, the boy's mother wants answers.

Officers say the 10-year-old, John, was arrested for felony battery on a school board authority. John's mother, Louanne Haywood, says he kicked a para-professional at his school last year. She understands he has a troubled history in school, but says his behavior is a result of his autism.

Deputies now say they didn't realize the boy has special needs when he was arrested.  

Prosecutors say they will take that into consideration when deciding how to proceed with his case.


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