Guardian Arrested In Assault On Disabled Girl In St. Bernard Parish

VIOLET, La. (AP) — St. Bernard sheriff's deputies have arrested a 48-year-old Violet woman accused of hitting a disabled 17-year-old girl in her care and pulling the girl from her wheelchair.

Deputies tell The Times-Picayune the girl's breathing tube was detached in the assault.

Sheila Banks was booked Monday on charge of cruelty to the infirm.

During an argument on Oct. 25 at the family's Violet home, deputies say the teenager slapped Banks. Authorities said Banks returned the slap, then pulled the girl from her wheelchair.

The next day, school officials reported the incident to the sheriff's office. The victim was checked out at a hospital and released.

Banks was released after posting a bond of $7,500.

It was unclear whether Banks has an attorney.