Edgewater teacher arrested on charges of child abuse against Autistic student.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The Edgewater Police Department shared shocking news after officers were alerted to a case of alleged child abuse involving a teacher on Thursday, September 7, 2023.

The accused, identified as Stacy Strnad, 48, a teacher from Indian River Elementary School in Edgewater, reportedly engaged in physical violence against a 4-year-old autistic student. According to the authorities, Strnad struck the young child's arm twice with an open hand.

 The incident escalated further when the frightened child attempted to escape, but Strnad is said to have forcefully grabbed the child by the arm, causing the child to fall backward. The unfortunate fall resulted in the child's arm colliding with a bookcase, leading to a minor laceration on the child's arm.

Following the incident, law enforcement swiftly located Stacy Strnad at her residence in Port Orange. Subsequently, she was placed under arrest by Edgewater police officers on charges of child abuse.