Incident Involving Special Education Aide in Las Vegas
A special education aide in Las Vegas is facing serious allegations after reportedly dragging an autistic elementary school student down a hallway by the arm for roughly 30 feet. The incident took place at JE Munch Elementary School, where 21-year-old Zachary May was arrested by Clark County School District Police on Friday.
According to reports, the school’s surveillance footage captured the moment May pulled the student, who has limited verbal communication, out of a classroom and into the hallway. The student, after being dragged, attempted to kick May in return, as detailed in an arrest report.
May has been charged with one felony count of assault on a vulnerable person, alongside another felony count related to child abuse or neglect. The Review-Journal cites court records from the North Las Vegas Judicial Court in its reporting.
Witness accounts reveal that the altercation escalated when the student entered a classroom to interact with peers. While attempting to encourage the other students to leave, May allegedly forcefully grabbed the student’s arm after he had fallen to his knees.
During the incident, bystanders noted that May did not communicate verbally with the student, although his facial expression seemed to reflect frustration. A few minutes later, the footage showed the student attempting to escape, only to be grabbed again by May and dragged another four feet.
At one point, a teacher’s assistant was seen nearby during the interaction. Following the incident, two assistant principals reviewed the video evidence and confirmed the actions taken by May.
Police conducted a wellness check at the student’s home after the incident, documenting that there were no fresh wounds or bruises on the child’s arm.
When questioned about his actions, May stated to police that he employed a mild restraint after the student fled from him. His first court appearance is set for February 9.
Reports indicate that May has been working with the district since January 2025 and was positioned at Manchee Elementary School within a specialized program. Following the incident, it has been announced that May will be placed on unpaid leave.
