John Benjamin Haygood is a ten year old boy who is on the Autism spectrum. Earlier this month in Okeechobee Achievement Academy in Okeechobee Florida, the young boy was arrested on school property.

John was diagnosed with autism about two years ago and was given an individualized education plan (IEP) and a paraprofessional a year ago.

About six months ago Haygood allegedly left a paraprofessional with scratches and other marks after he kicked and punched him, resulting in a suspension from school.

Luanne Haygood, John’s mother reported that her son was having issues with his paraprofessional and did not feel safe with him.

This most incident happened after Haygood was being disruptive, throwing paper balls and hitting other students. The paraprofessional told John that he needed to go in time out, John refused.

John returned to school April 12th to take mandatory standardized tests, but, when he returned to school, he was arrested.

According to the Washington Post there was a warrant out for his arrest due to the incident that happened back in October. The young boy was arrested for battery on a school board employee, which is a third degree felony.

The day the young boy was arrested, Luanne Haygood, watched as her son was being removed from the classroom. In the video the boy’s mother says, “He has autism. He doesn’t know what’s going on.”

Luanne Haygood posted the video on Facebook and said, “I just want my son to have the same education every other child is entitled to and receives.”

John Haygood will appear in court in May 11th. The State Attorney’s office said they didn’t know the young boy was on the autistic spectrum when he was arrested and they will take that into consideration when he goes to court.