Educational assistant accused of assaulting elementary school student in St. Catharines

A Niagara Regional Police Service vehicle is seen parked on a street. (NRPS)

A 28-year-old male educational assistant has been arrested in connection with the alleged assault of a young student at a St. Catharines elementary school on Friday.

The incident occurred last December at Saint Alfred Catholic Elementary School on Vine Street, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) said in a news release.

The NRPS Child Abuse Unit launched an investigation into the matter on Jan. 10.

Police said the victim is a child who is under the age of nine.

It is alleged that the child was physically moved to another room in the school by two educational assistants after being involved in a classroom disturbance.

Police say that one of the educational assistants then proceeded to physically assault the child using a blanket. The victim did not suffer any physical injuries.

Adam Martynek, 28, of St. Catharines has been charged with assault and assault with a weapon.

Police continue to investigate and are urging anyone with information to come forward.