Washington, D.C., police are investigating after a parent was caught on cameras at KIPP DC Spring Academy punching a 7-year-old in the stomach, WJLA reports.
In the video, little John Mclean can be seen in the hallway before a man, who has not been identified by authorities, leans toward the boy and hits him in his torso. John is seen doubling over and slumping to the ground from the blow. The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to the report.
“I was in the hallway, the day was on Wednesday and then somebody punched me in my stomach,” the little boy told the station, adding that it hurt "real bad."
“It made my stomach real painful,” the 7-year-old added.
Now his mother is hoping for justice.
“You watched my son on that ground and you didn’t do nothing … and all you could say to me is you was playing,” Lena Mclean said regarding the man who can be seen in the footage.
Mclean told WJLA that she has had positive interactions with the parent in the past and says she does not understand what could have led him to hurt her child.
“You don’t bully a child, you don’t torment a child. I wouldn’t do that to you. I wouldn’t do that to none of your kids,” the upset mother said. “I’ll feel much better when he is locked up.”
A police report has been filed and the police are currently investigating the incident. On Friday, KIPP DC sent out a letter to parents, which read in part, "The health and safety of our students, teachers, and staff remains our No. 1 priority and we will continue to work closely with the police to ensure that students and staff are safe at school."
Read more at WJLA.