CFISD behavioral specialist charged after 16-year-old student with autism was pushed, died: Records

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A Cy-Fair ISD behavior specialist has been charged with injury to the disabled after an incident at a district campus last week, according to court records.

The student was identified as a 16-year-old boy with autism, who later died, according to court records.

Donald Perkins is currently in the Harris County Jail following allegations that he shoved the student at the Carlton Center on April 23.

The Carlton Center is a Cy-Fair ISD facility that teaches students with disabilities.

Court documents obtained by ABC13 say Perkins committed a "unprovoked physical assault" of the student by shoving him into a classroom.

"The push was forceful," the records state. "A loud thud can be heard on the surveillance video at the point where (the student) made contact with the ground."

The documents state that it took place after the student was on a school bus and took a piece of food from the bus driver. Records say the student put the food in his mouth before being removed from the bus and taken to the campus by Perkins. The records indicate the student was shoved back into the classroom, but was able to get up and sit down under his own power.

It was after that, the records say, that he began to choke. The documents allege Perkins knew the 16-year-old had food in his mouth, as well as a history of choking hazards, but still proceeded to push the student.

"The staff could be heard saying he was choking," the documents say. "(The student's) body became limp shortly thereafter."

Records state Perkins unsuccessfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on the 16-year-old.

Records also indicate the student was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to The Texas Medical Center.

Documents add that the officer investigating the case was later informed that the student had died.

"I learned from the student's father (on April 29) that the student had passed away," the officer said.

The documents indicate the student suffered a "catastrophic medical event" that included "a significant period of oxygen deprivation."

Cy-Fair ISD said Perkins is currently on administrative leave.

"We are devastated by the loss of one of our students," Superintendent Dr. Doug Killian said. "My most sincere prayers are with the family, and we grieve alongside them during this heartbreaking time."