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

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A Cy-Fair ISD behavioral specialist is behind bars after being accused of pushing a student with autism, who records show died days later.

Court documents state the alleged incident happened last week at CFISD's Carlton Center.

Donald Cameron Perkins is now charged with causing injury to a 16-year-old student. The student, according to records, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

On April 23, records show Perkins was called to a bus after the 16-year-old student had taken a piece of food from the bus driver and put it in his mouth. Perkins reportedly walked the student back to a classroom and is accused of pushing the student as they entered.

Records state the student suffered a medical emergency, and staff members said they believe he was choking and attempted the Heimlich maneuver, but did not succeed.

According to investigators, Perkins was untruthful about what happened and can reportedly be seen on video shoving the student to the ground.

The student was reportedly hospitalized and died days later, on April 29, according to court records.

Perkins was booked into the Harris County Jail.