A former behavioral therapist in Arizona was arrested after police said he kicked a 5-year-old boy with autism in the face during a one-on-one session at an autism center in Peoria. The incident allegedly occurred on June 1 at Soar Autism Center, where Adolfo Salas, 42, was working with the child, who has nonverbal autism.
According to court records cited by local media, Salas sent a colleague an “SOS” message on a tablet during the session, writing that he had “accidentally kicked him in the face.” He reportedly told the employee he had intended to kick a chair but struck the child instead. However, surveillance video reportedly obtained by KSAZ showed a different sequence of events. In the footage, Salas was seen on the floor with the child while appearing to demonstrate how to place trash in a garbage pail. After the boy began crying, Salas stood up, took the garbage pail, raised his right leg and kicked the child in the face, according to the report.
Police said the boy cried after the alleged assault and was left with a bruise near his left eye. The report also said the child entered an emotional crisis after being kicked. He allegedly spat on Salas and threw objects at him before Salas pushed him against a wall. The child was later taken to a hospital for treatment and has since been released.
Salas was fired by Soar Autism Center after the incident and arrested on June 4. He has been charged with aggravated assault of a minor. During his initial court appearance, bail was set at $5,000, and he was ordered to wear an ankle monitor if released. He was also told to stay away from his former workplace.
It was not immediately clear whether Salas has entered a plea or retained legal counsel. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Wednesday, June 10.
When contacted, the Peoria Police Department said it had no additional updates. Soar Autism Center later issued a statement to families saying Salas was dismissed immediately and police were notified. The center said it has “zero tolerance” for any behavior that endangers the safety or well-being of children in its care.
