Outrage and concern have sparked an investigation by Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) after a father, Gabriel Perry, posted alarming photos on social media showing his 6-year-old son bound with socks at a transport vehicle from Roberts Academy. The images depict the young student restrained by his wrists and ankles, which has led CPS and the boy's after-school program to look into the matter. Perry, in shock, stated, "I did not believe one bit that it was real," as reported by FOX 19.
According to the distressed father in an interview with FOX19, the child was restrained with socks in a manner reserved for criminals, leaving marks on his arms after being bound very tightly. As Perry reported, his son was on the vehicle's floor for an extended journey—"More than 20 minutes, maybe 25 with traffic on the highways." The staff at Kids Thrive, the after-school program, discovered the situation and subsequently alerted the boy's father. The boy innocently remarked to his father, "at least the socks weren't dirty, they were clean socks."
Amidst growing concerns, a statement by Superintendent Shauna Murphy was emailed to families, expressing that "the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority." No details were initially released regarding the staff involved or if any were placed on administrative leave during the ongoing investigation. This incident, which took place at Roberts Academy, has also sparked an investigation by the after-school program his son attends. According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, the district confirmed the incident but refrained from providing further details.
