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“We’ve seen a grown man die from that same situation, just imagine a fragile 12-year-old girl’s neck”, School security guard was caught on video kneeling on a student’s neck as he was trying to break up a fight

By Lamar J. Hopkins Community

The off-duty police officer who was working a part-time security job with the school was caught on video kneeling on a 12-year-old’s neck as he was trying to help break up a fight between students. He had his knee on the student’s neck for around 30 seconds before he escorted her out of the school cafeteria. The girl’s father that his daughter is currently in therapy and is treating her injuries at a neurologist. The family’s attorney said that a lawsuit will be filed against the school district and the off-duty cop, who resigned from his job with the school on Tuesday.

Per reports,  the KUSD released the footage of the incident that occurred on March 4 at Lincoln Middle School. It reportedly showed an off-duty police officer kneeling on a 12-year-old’s neck as he was trying to help break up a fight between students. According to the state officials, police chokeholds have been banned in Wisconsin after Governor Tony Evers last year signed a bill into law, prohibiting the move except in life-threatening situations.

The girl’s father, Jerrel Perez, reportedly said that his 12 -year-old daughter, who was not identified, can be seen in the video pushing another student who approached her before the fight broke out.

The off-duty police officer who was working a part-time security job with the school, Shawn Guetschow, then intervened to stop the fight by pulling the student off of the 12-year-old.

The 37-year-old off-duty police officer then fell to the ground and hit his head on a table. Guetschow then pushed the girl’s head to the ground and places her in a chokehold restraint.

The off-duty cop reportedly had his knee on the student’s neck for around 30 seconds before he escorted her out of the school cafeteria.

The victim’s father said that his 12-year-old daughter is currently in therapy and is treating her injuries at a neurologist.

Drew DeVinney, the family’s attorney said that a lawsuit will be filed against the school district, Guetschow, and the local Police Department. The lawsuit will be filed when the 12-year-old girl is recovered, the family said.

Drew DeVinney reportedly aid: “This was an unacceptable act against a child. This was a 12-year-old girl and there’s no justification for applying your bodyweight on her body.”

The attorney told Newsweek that the 12-year-old victim was reportedly approached by a group of students who wanted to fight her but she calmed the situation. Unfortunately, one of the students returned and the fight broke out. 

After the incident, the 37-year-old off-duty police officer was placed on paid leave. Guetschow reportedly resigned from his job with the school on Tuesday.

The victim’s father said that the 37-year-old man should be charged for restraining his daughter that way.

The girl’s father, Jerrel Perez, told CNN: “Looking at that picture, it destroyed me. All it takes is just a little bit, especially for a 12-year-old girl. We’ve seen a grown man die from that same situation, just imagine a fragile 12-year-old’s neck.”

The 37-year-old off-duty police officer, Shawn Guetschow, reportedly said that this incident impacted his family and the school district didn’t support him:

“Given the events that have taken place and the escalated attention this incident at Lincoln Middle School has caused in the community, mental and emotional strain it has brought upon my family, and the lack of communication and or support I have received from the district, I can no longer continue my employment with the KUSD.” 

The family’s attorney also said that his 12-year-old client was defending herself from being bullied and said that at no point did she push or strike at this officer. DeVinney claims that the victim yelled out that she couldn’t breathe while Guetschow’s knee was on her neck.

This incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story and it will be updated as new information become available.