Former substitute TISD teacher arrested

TYLER — A former substitute teacher with Tyler ISD has been arrested following a physical altercation with a special needs student, according to our news partner KETK.

The Tyler ISD Police Department launched an investigation on April 4 after obtaining video footage of the incident, which occurred on April 1 in a special needs classroom at Moore Middle School. Based on the footage, officials identified the substitute teacher as Joacim Castro Lacayo, along with two paraprofessionals who were also present during the incident. The video reportedly shows Lacayo engaging in a verbal confrontation with the student, which escalated into physical contact. At approximately 3:15 p.m., Lacayo began physically restraining the student’s arms with assistance from the two paraprofessionals, according to the affidavit. Moments later, Lacayo is seen allegedly twisting the student’s arms behind her back, causing her to scream in pain.

By 3:21 p.m., the affidavit states, Lacayo pushed the student into a wall and continued restraining her as she cried out. He later tackled the student to the ground and stood over her while yelling. When the student threatened to report the incident to her father, Lacayo allegedly responded, “Tell him, tell whoever, your grandpa, your daddy.”

During a subsequent interview with the Tyler ISD Police Chief, Lacayo admitted he was aware of the student’s intellectual disabilities and behavioral history. He described his actions as “out of character.”

Following the investigation, Lacayo was arrested and charged with injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual. As of now, both paraprofessionals have not been arrested.