You’ll want to know exactly what happened and why it matters to the school community and families. Prosecutors say a special education assistant placed an 8-year-old in a chokehold and slammed him to the lunchroom floor, leaving the child with serious injuries and prompting criminal charges and an investigation.
Expect a clear timeline of the incident, the immediate response from staff and the child’s family, and what the school district and law enforcement are doing now. The article will unpack those facts, the legal claims, and the district’s next steps so you can follow how accountability and student safety are being addressed.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
A Chicago special education assistant is accused of using a chokehold on an 8-year-old student, then throwing him to the lunchroom floor. The boy sustained neck trauma and continues to receive medical care while prosecutors pursue charges.
What Allegedly Happened at Parker Elementary School
Prosecutors say the incident occurred inside a classroom at Parker Elementary in Englewood on November 13, 2025. Court documents allege Tamika Odeh, a 44-year-old special education assistant, placed the 8-year-old in a chokehold during a behavioral episode and then slammed him onto the lunchroom floor. Witnesses and the criminal complaint describe the boy’s head striking a chair as he fell.
Chicago Police Department investigators and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed surveillance and witness statements as part of the investigation that led to Odeh’s arrest on February 10, 2026. Parker Elementary’s name appears in multiple local reports tied to the allegation.
Injuries Suffered by the 8-Year-Old Student
Medical records cited by prosecutors indicate the child suffered serious neck trauma, including ligament damage. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital on the day of the incident. Physicians documented injuries that required ongoing physical therapy as of February 2026.
The injury timeline and continued rehabilitation helped prosecutors upgrade the case to aggravated battery to a child with great bodily harm. The boy’s treatment includes pain management and range-of-motion therapy; school and family officials have kept many medical details private to protect the minor.
Role of Special Education Assistant Tamika Odeh
Tamika Odeh worked as a special education assistant entrusted with supporting students with disabilities at Parker Elementary. Prosecutors allege Odeh violated training and policies by using a prohibited neck restraint and excessive force on a young, vulnerable student.
Odeh faces a felony charge of aggravated battery to a child, which prosecutors say reflects both the severity of the injuries and her position of authority. After her arrest, she was processed by the Chicago Police Department and arraigned; court filings outline the alleged actions and the grounds for the charge.
Response from School Staff and Authorities
School administrators placed Odeh on leave once the incident surfaced and cooperated with Chicago Police Department investigators and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. CPS officials have said they will comply with the criminal probe and an internal review, while limiting public comments to protect the child’s privacy.
Community advocates and parents pressed for transparency about staff supervision and prior complaints. Prosecutors and investigators say they conducted witness interviews, obtained medical records, and reviewed any available video before filing charges to ensure the complaint met the threshold for aggravated battery.
Legal and District Response
The case centers on criminal charges filed against the special education assistant and administrative actions taken by the district. Prosecutors allege serious physical harm to an 8-year-old student, and Chicago Public Schools moved quickly to separate the employee from students.
Arrest and Charges Against Tamika Odeh
Prosecutors charged Tamika Odeh with aggravated battery of a child after authorities say she placed an 8‑year‑old in a chokehold and slammed him to the lunchroom floor, causing serious injuries. The Cook County or local prosecutor’s office filed the complaint after investigators reviewed eyewitness accounts and video evidence reported by school staff and parents.
Odeh was arrested and booked; court records list the formal charge and the alleged conduct. The criminal case now proceeds through preliminary hearings where a judge will assess probable cause and set next steps. Defense counsel may seek bail terms, file motions, or request discovery of injury reports and surveillance footage.
CPS Actions and Policy Statements
Chicago Public Schools removed Odeh from duty pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal investigation. CPS issued a statement noting the district’s zero‑tolerance stance on physical abuse and saying it will cooperate with law enforcement while reviewing staff conduct at the South Side elementary school.
CPS personnel officials are conducting an independent review of training, supervision, and incident reporting related to special education aides. Parents received emails from school administrators informing them of the incident, the district’s response, and available support services for the affected student and classmates.
Judge’s Orders and Court Proceedings
A judge presiding over Odeh’s case has scheduled initial hearings to address arraignment, bail, and the presentation of evidence. Court orders may include restrictions on contact with the victim, surrender of school employment credentials, or temporary pretrial release conditions if bail is granted.
Prosecutors plan to present medical records and any surveillance video at hearings to establish injury severity and alleged intent. The timeline will follow standard criminal procedures: probable cause hearing, pretrial motions, and, if the case proceeds, trial scheduling. Defense motions could challenge evidence admissibility or seek case dismissal.
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