Grand Island man arrested for felony child abuse after student protest
Incident occurred during walkout near West Lawn Elementary School
GRAND ISLAND, NEB. — A Grand Island man arrested after a physical altercation during a student “walk-out” protest Monday is in custody for felony child abuse, a Class IIIA felony under Nebraska law.
The altercation happened during a student walkout involving Grand Island Senior High students protesting federal immigration policy. The incident occurred near West Lawn Elementary School.
A Grand Island Police Department felony report lists two juvenile boys, ages 16 and 17, as victims. Police previously said at least one student was involved.
According to the report, officers responded around 3:18 p.m. Monday to College Street for a physical disturbance involving an adult male and juveniles.
Grand Island Police Division Chief Dean Elliott says it involved Grand Island Senior High students who were protesting federal immigration policy and a 54-year-old Grand Island man. Elliot says investigators believe the man was driving by the protesters and yelled pro-ICE comments. The man told investigators that a student threw an object that hit him.
Investigators say Michael A. Brown exited his personal vehicle and approached a group of students protesting on the sidewalk. Police determined Brown physically assaulted one of the boys, causing injury. He was arrested for felony child abuse.
Under Nebraska law, a Class IIIA felony is punishable by up to three years in prison and 18 months of post-release supervision, a $10,000 fine, or both. There is no mandatory minimum sentence.
In a statement following the incident, Grand Island Public Schools said it continues to provide support services for students impacted by the events and reiterated that violence does not reflect the district’s values.