Former Asst. Principal Arrested For Pushing Child To The Ground: NYSP

TOWN OF HYDE PARK, NY — A former elementary school assistant principal has been arrested after allegations that he shoved a child to the ground, according to NYSP.

On Friday, Duane Sharrock, of Poughkeepsie, was arrested by the New York State Police for endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.

The arrest stems from an incident that took place on December 10, at the Dutchess County BOCES Elementary School in the Town of Hyde Park. New York State Police received a law enforcement referral reporting that the 51-year-old assistant principal had allegedly pushed a 10-year-old student to the ground from behind during school dismissal.

An investigation led to Sharrock's arrest earlier today. He was later released with an appearance ticket for the Town of Hyde Park Court returnable on April 8.

"Dutchess BOCES takes the health and safety of our students and the entire BOCES community very seriously," Dutchess BOCES District Superintendent Jodi DeLucia said in a statement Friday evening. "The Agency followed its policies and procedures, along with New York State Education Law. Dutchess BOCES has consistently been cooperating with law enforcement involving this matter. The individual in question is no longer an employee of the BOCES."

This story was updated to include a statement from the Dutchess BOCES District Superintendent. An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Duane Sharrock as a school principal. It has been updated to reflect that he is a former assistant principal in the district.