Teacher is accused of abusing a special needs student

A Holz Elementary School pre-school teacher is accused of assaulting a special needs student. 55-year old Patricia Lynn Summerfield of Charleston is charged with felony battery and assault of a disabled child after an incident Tuesday at Holz Elementary, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kanawha County Magistrate Court. Summerfield is accused of dragging a 3-year-old nonverbal student across a room, causing scratches and red marks, according to the criminal complaint. The complaint said Summerfield was suspended with pay. She has since posted a $75,000 cash-only bond.