Behavioral therapist claimed he ‘accidentally’ kicked 5-year-old with autism in the head, but video proved otherwise: Police

A former behavioral therapist in Arizona is facing serious criminal charges after police say surveillance footage contradicted his claim that he accidentally kicked a 5-year-old boy with autism during a therapy session. Authorities allege the video clearly showed the therapist intentionally kicking the child in the face while the boy was on the floor, leading to his arrest and dismissal from the autism treatment center where he worked.

Former Therapist Arrested Following Alleged Assault

The accused therapist, 42-year-old Adolfo Salas, was employed as a behavioral therapist and Master Registered Behavioral Technician at the Soar Autism Center in Peoria, Arizona. The incident occurred on June 1, 2026, during a one-on-one therapy session with a 5-year-old child diagnosed with nonverbal autism.

According to court documents, Salas was supervising the child when the alleged assault took place. Police later arrested him at his home after reviewing surveillance footage and gathering evidence related to the case. He was subsequently charged with aggravated assault of a minor and child abuse-related offenses.

Therapist Claimed the Kick Was Accidental

“I Accidentally Kicked Him in the Face”

Court records indicate that shortly after the incident, Salas sent an “SOS” message to a coworker using a tablet. In the message, he reportedly stated, “I accidentally kicked him in the face.”

When another employee arrived, Salas allegedly explained that he had intended to kick a chair out of the way but accidentally struck the child instead. His explanation initially suggested that the injury was unintentional.

However, investigators later determined that surveillance footage did not support that account.

Surveillance Video Told a Different Story

Child Was Crying During Therapy Session

According to police and court records, the surveillance footage captured the child crying while participating in an activity involving picking up trash and placing it into a garbage container. Salas was reportedly kneeling near the boy and assisting him with the task.

The video allegedly showed Salas taking the trash container from the child and saying, “Thank you.” The child remained on his hands and knees on the floor and continued crying.

Alleged Kick Captured on Camera

Investigators say the footage then showed Salas standing up, drawing back his right leg, and kicking toward the child’s head. According to police, the kick struck the boy in the face. Officers reviewing the footage reported that the child could immediately be heard crying after the impact.

Authorities stated that the recording appeared inconsistent with Salas’ claim that he accidentally struck the child while attempting to move a chair. Instead, investigators believed the footage showed a deliberate act.

Child Suffered Injury Following Incident

Bruise Found Near Eye

After the incident, staff members intervened and another employee comforted the visibly upset child. Police said the boy was transported to a hospital for evaluation. Medical personnel documented a bruise beneath or near the child’s left eye. He was treated and later released.

The child, who is nonverbal, was unable to communicate directly with investigators about what had happened. Prosecutors later emphasized the importance of the surveillance footage in establishing the facts of the case.

Child Reportedly Entered an “Emotional Crisis”

According to court records, after the alleged kick, Salas was seen staring at the child while the boy experienced what police described as an “emotional crisis.” The child reportedly spat toward Salas and threw objects during the episode.

Authorities further alleged that Salas later backed the child against a wall before another employee stepped in to help. The responding coworker reportedly consoled the child while Salas was instructed to leave the room.

Police Investigation and Arrest

Detectives Reviewed Surveillance Evidence

After receiving a report from the autism treatment facility, Peoria police launched an investigation. Detectives obtained surveillance footage, interviewed witnesses, and reviewed evidence from the center.

Investigators concluded that there was probable cause to arrest Salas. He was taken into custody on June 4 at his residence. Reports indicated that when questioned by investigators, he declined to provide a statement and requested an attorney.

Prosecutors Stress Importance of Video

During Salas’ court appearance, Deputy County Attorney Ashley Stetson highlighted the fact that the victim was nonverbal and could not independently report the alleged assault. She stated that without the surveillance recording, there may have been no way for the child to communicate what had happened.

Soar Autism Center Responds

Immediate Termination

The Soar Autism Center informed families that Salas was immediately terminated once the incident came to light. The facility also notified law enforcement and cooperated with the investigation.

In a message sent to families, the center emphasized its commitment to child safety and stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward conduct that threatens the well-being of children in its care.

Center Condemns Alleged Conduct

The facility told parents that immediate action was taken upon learning about the incident. The center reiterated that protecting children remains its highest priority and that behavior compromising a child’s safety would not be tolerated.

Court Proceedings and Bond Conditions

Judge Sets Bond

Prosecutors initially sought a substantially higher bond because of the seriousness of the allegations and the vulnerability of the victim. However, a judge ultimately set Salas’ bond at $5,000.

If released, Salas was ordered to wear an ankle monitor and was prohibited from returning to the autism center where he had previously worked.

Upcoming Court Dates

Court records indicated that Salas was scheduled to return to court for additional proceedings on June 10 and June 12 as the criminal case moved forward. Investigators have stated that the matter remains under review.

A Case Drawing Widespread Attention

The case has attracted significant public attention because it involved a young child with nonverbal autism who was receiving specialized therapeutic care. Prosecutors and advocates have pointed to the surveillance footage as a crucial piece of evidence, arguing that it provided a voice for a child who could not communicate the alleged abuse himself.

As legal proceedings continue, authorities maintain that the video evidence played a central role in uncovering what allegedly occurred during the therapy session and ensuring that the allegations were brought before the court.