A Peoria behavioral therapist has been arrested and charged after authorities say surveillance video showed him physically assaulting a nonverbal 5-year-old child at an autism treatment center.
According to the Peoria Police Department, Adolfo Salas was taken into custody following an investigation into an incident that allegedly occurred Monday afternoon at a treatment facility near 83rd Avenue and Bell Road. The child involved has autism and is nonverbal, making it difficult for him to communicate what happened to caregivers or authorities.
Court records indicate Salas was employed as a master registered behavioral technician at Soar Autism Center and was conducting a one-on-one therapy session with the child when the alleged assault took place.
The investigation began after the facility reported the incident to police. Detectives later reviewed surveillance footage that, according to court documents, appeared to show Salas kicking the child while the boy was on the floor near him. Authorities allege the impact caused the child to cry out and react visibly.
Investigators further stated that after the alleged kick, Salas remained seated for several moments before approaching the child, who appeared distressed. Court records describe additional interactions captured on video as the child continued crying during the encounter.
When questioned by police, Salas reportedly claimed the contact was accidental and said he had intended to move a chair rather than strike the child. Investigators, however, concluded that the video evidence did not support that explanation.
Salas has been charged with felony child abuse and aggravated assault involving a minor.
During an initial court appearance, prosecutors argued that the allegations were particularly serious because of the child’s age, disability and Salas’ position of trust working with vulnerable children. They also noted that the existence of surveillance footage played a critical role in uncovering the alleged incident.
A judge set Salas’ bond at $5,000 and ordered electronic monitoring and a curfew. He was also instructed to have no contact with minors other than his own children, who do not reside with him.
The case remains pending, and Salas is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
