School district fires guard after parent complains of excessive force

A Fayette County school guard is off the job after the school board voted to fire him following a parent’s complaint.

A mother says the guard used excessive force on her daughter during an after-hours visit earlier this year at Brownsville Elementary School – while she was standing right there.

The woman said she was with her daughter and another parent at the school to drop off papers at the when the guard, Bruce Eilam, rounded the corner and yelled at them. The mother said she explained why they were there.

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According to the criminal complaint, Eilam pointed to her daughter and the woman said, “She’s with me.  I am her mom.”

Eilan then allegedly yelled, “This is my school!” and grabbed the girl by the right arm and dragged her down a hallway. The mother said the girl fell to her knees and Eilam let her go.

Luzerne Township police began investigating and say the incident was caught on surveillance video, which shows Eilam grabbing the girl by her arm and pulling her even as she dropped to her knees.

Parents Channel 11 spoke to outside the school Wednesday said they were surprised they hadn't heard about the incident.

“If (he) touched a student, I would say they have the right to (fire him),” said Tom Rogers.

Cox Media Group