School Employee Accused Of Obstructing The Breathing Of A Disabled Student: Police

YORKTOWN, NY — A disturbing incident at a school for special needs students has led to the arrest of a staff member, according to police.

The Yorktown Police Department says that a 33-year-old Yorktown man was arrested and charged with misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing, and felony first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person.

The charges stem from an incident on October 26, around 5:21 p.m., when Yorktown police officers responded to the Shrub Oak International School, after receiving a report about a suspicious incident.

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Once at the scene, an officer determined that 33-year-old Jonathan Merceus, a school employee, allegedly obstructed the breathing of a disabled student, which was found to be "likely injurious to the physical, mental, and moral welfare" of the student.

On November 13, at 5:15 p.m., Merceus surrendered himself at Yorktown Police Department headquarters, where he was arrested and processed for the charges.

He was then arraigned at the Yorktown Justice Court, and released on his own recognizance. Merceus is due back in court on Dec. 4.