ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Video obtained by Channel 9 shows what appears to be a grown woman putting a young boy in a chokehold outside an Orange County elementary school.
Police said Sandra Rivera can be seen clearly in the 15-second video putting her hands on an 11-year-boy, cursing at the child and then possibly throwing a punch outside Eccleston Elementary School.
After her arrest last month, the 28-year-old mother told Channel 9 she was sticking up for her daughter, who she said was being bullied by the boy.
"My daughter calling me in fear and when I got there, I just took actions upon myself," Rivera said.
But the boy, Ray Villanueva, said he never bullied the girl and was in fear for his life.
"Terrified she was about to kill me," he said. "I could barely breathe."
Prosecutors told Channel 9 that based on the video and statements they obtained, charges of child abuse and kidnapping have been filed against Rivera.
They said no matter what the reason, there is no excuse under the law for Rivera to beat up the boy and force him into her vehicle.
WFTV
