On April 2, a 9-year-old student from Maple Elementary School was removed from the campus in restraints by a Student Resource Officer (SRO) at the request of Principal Dr. Amanda Sobremesana and taken to Children’s Hospital in Orange (CHOC). The student’s parents were not informed about the removal until contacted by hospital personnel later that afternoon. The parents, who requested anonymity, reviewed the officer’s body camera footage and indicated that they were not made aware of the student’s assessment as a physical threat, the police involvement, or the transfer to the hospital.

Following the incident, the Fullerton School District (FSD) placed Dr. Sobremesana on leave while an investigation was conducted. She was later reinstated, and it was communicated that she would receive further training. The student involved was transferred to another school. The parents contacted the Fullerton Observer to share their experience, aiming to raise awareness and prevent similar situations in the future.

FSD Superintendent Dr. Bob Pletka stated that he could not comment on specific details due to privacy laws regarding student and personnel information.

He explained that police would only be called in cases where a child poses a physical danger to themselves or others. The SROs are trained in de-escalation tactics; it remains unclear why the principal did not notify the parents after the student was restrained and taken for evaluation.

The incident has raised questions about the decisions made by the principal and SRO, particularly in the context of a student with special educational and emotional needs. Concerns have been noted regarding communication with the parents and the absence of a known adult accompanying the child to the hospital. The parents have the option to file a uniform complaint form, which would create a record of the incident for further review and may help prevent similar occurrences.

The FSD emphasizes the importance of a safe and supportive academic environment and encourages parents to reach out to teachers for additional resources if they notice their child struggling academically or emotionally. Access to educational or emotional support services does not require a special needs classification. If the support provided by teachers is inadequate, parents are advised to contact the school principal or the superintendent’s office for further assistance.

According to Fullerton Police Department Public Information Officer Kristy Wells, state law limits the release of information regarding police interactions with minors. The School Liaison Officer and a Behavioral Health Clinician assisted in the incident and spoke with the minor’s parents via telephone at the scene. A follow-up meeting was arranged by the School Liaison Officer’s Supervisor, during which body camera footage of the incident was shared with the family.

A review of the actions of the officer and Behavioral Health Clinician is currently being conducted to ensure compliance with departmental policies.