Shocking Photos of Boy Hogtied in School Van Spark Investigation

UPDATE: A father in Cincinnati has been left reeling after receiving disturbing photos of his 6-year-old son hogtied in a school van, prompting urgent investigations by both the district and local police. The incident unfolded on November 7, 2025, at Roberts Academy, during transport to an after-school program designed for behavioral support.

According to reports from the Cincinnati Enquirer, the boy was restrained after exhibiting aggressive behavior on the playground, where he kicked and screamed at a security guard. As staff attempted to guide him to the van, he reportedly struck a teacher and made a threatening remark. Amid escalating tensions, an administrator suggested physically restraining the child.

A teacher initially tried to manage the situation by turning the boy’s coat backward. When that failed, a security guard resorted to using tube socks to bind the child’s wrists and ankles. Staff members from Kids Thrive documented the incident and promptly informed the boy’s family.

In a heart-wrenching exchange, the boy told his father, Gabriel Perry, “Daddy, at least the socks weren’t dirty. They were clean socks,” according to local news outlet WLWT News 5. This chilling detail underscores the emotional toll on the young child involved.

Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Shauna Murphy addressed the incident, stating it is “concerning” and emphasized that the district is taking appropriate actions to investigate the matter thoroughly. Parents have been left shaken, with many questioning the safety measures in place at schools.

Ohio law mandates that physical restraint should only be employed as a last resort to prevent immediate harm. However, Perry reported that no staff member from Roberts Academy contacted his family during the incident, prompting him to file a police report. The district is actively reviewing the protocols surrounding such situations.

As this story develops, parents and community members are urged to stay informed about the ongoing investigations. The implications of this incident raise critical questions about student safety and the methods used to manage behavioral issues in educational settings.

Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely, and updates are expected as the investigations unfold. For now, families are left to grapple with the unsettling reality of what occurred and the need for heightened oversight in schools.