Pennsylvania police say it’s policy to pepper-spray and cuff students sitting at their desk for not complying with teacher

‘Bradford Area High School Resource Officer Hiel “Butch” Bartlett is being sued by the family of an emotional support student for allegedly using excessive force in a classroom, deploying pepper spray and cuffing the student for alleged non-compliance with a teacher.

The 17-year-old male is identified only with the initials T.K., and is a current resident of Johnstown. Messages sent to the family’s attorney, Alex Barker of Pittsburgh, for comment were not immediately returned.

Bartlett, who is a member of the Bradford City Police Department, referred questions to police chief Chris Lucco. Bartlett’s attorney, John Kwasneski of Pittsburgh, did not immediately return a message left seeking comment.’

Read more: Pennsylvania police say it's policy to pepper-spray and cuff students sitting at their desk for not complying with teacher