Picture of autistic 10-year-old Central Florida boy in handcuffs goes viral

Kissimmee police defend decision to detain child

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Kissimmee police are defending their actions after a picture of a 10-year-old boy handcuffed outside school went viral.

The picture was taken by the boy's father and was posted on a group's website that tracks police activity.

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The group accuses police of going too far by putting the boy on the trunk of the patrol car and arresting him in front of his father.

According to a police report, officers were called to Cypress Elementary School when the boy's teacher says the child got unruly in class, picking up a pair of scissors and threatening to hurt himself.

Witnesses also told police he punched the teacher twice, according to the police report.

Kissimmee police Officer Stacie Miller says the boy was placed on the trunk of the car because it was cooler than the concrete.

Police also say the parents have not filed a complaint with the department.