A school resource officer in Rutherford County who helps keep at-risk youth on the right track is accused of assaulting one of the troubled teens.
The alleged assault happened at Central Middle School over the weekend at Rutherford County Operation Integrity boot camp, where the 14-year-old boy was one of 15 juveniles taking part.
The teen claims school resource Officer Dustin Cox pushed him Saturday, causing him to fall on the ground and land on his elbows. He also alleges Cox dragged him by his pants down the hallway of the school.
Murfreesboro police were called to Middle Tennessee Medical Center on Sunday by the boy's mother and stepfather. That’s where the assault allegations were made. Pictures were taken of the boy's knees and elbows.
The teen said there were several people present but they were standing with their noses touching lockers and he isn’t sure if anyone saw what happened.
Cox serves at Smyrna High School and remains on duty pending investigation results.
This is the first time since Operation Integrity started five years ago that someone has made an allegation against a deputy. According to Rutherford County officials, more than 200 at-risk young people have completed the program. It is an intervention program targeting teens that have behavioral problems at school and or at home or have shown signs of drug use.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office made a request to the district attorney’s office to ask the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation. It will be up to TBI to help decide if the allegations against the officer are true or not.
Operation Integrity’s boot camp is held one Saturday a month for 12 hours.
There are follow-up sessions the youths also have to complete.
Parents or guardians also must attend a mandatory parent component session.
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