Yesterday, Ronald Thurston, a security guard at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, was arrested on allegations of hitting a student on school property. WSVN reported that Thurston now faces charges of aggravated child abuse and battery. Parents and students voiced their distress at hearing news of the security guard's actions, which starkly contrast his primary role, for ensuring the safety of students.
"He’s security so he should not be putting his hands on these kids," one woman stated in a statement obtained by WSVN while another expressed, "It’s a shame because that’s what they have security guards for, to protect the kids not to harm the kids." The school district has since reassigned Thurston to a role with no direct student contact, pending investigation into the matter. However, details of the alleged incident currently remain scarce.
The history of Thurston's conduct raises additional concerns, as WSVN reported that the 48-year-old was previously terminated from the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) in 2022 for excessive force. This termination followed after an earlier administrative leave in 2020 due to problematic social media posts about the BSO's diversity issues. His former actions prompted then Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony to comment on his unsuitability for the role, saying, "His actions show that he possesses neither the temperament nor the decision-making ability to wear a badge or carry a gun."
The recent arrest brought Thurston before a Broward County court with his attorney stating, "He believes his client should and will be exonerated." In the meantime, the court has ordered that Thurston have no contact with the alleged victim and stay away from Blanche Ely High School, as detailed by Local 10.
