SMITHVILLE, Ohio - A Smithville, Ohio school resource officer is on unpaid leave, accused of activating a Taser in an attempt to wake up a sleeping student in a classroom.
Officer Maryssa Boskoski, 32, works part-time and was assigned as a school resource officer for this school year.
The incident happened on Aug. 30 at Liberty Preparatory School, 243 North Milton St. The facility is a community charter school in the village.
The male student, who is a junior, wouldn't wake up for the teacher or Interim Principal Jenna Parnell.
Boskoski, who had walked down to the classroom with Parnell, activated the Taser a few feet away from the teen.
"She did take her Taser, remove the cartridge from it, and arced the Taser," said Smithville Police Chief Howard Funk.
No probes were deployed and the Taser did not touch the student.
Parnell said the combination of the sparking noise and ensuing commotion in the classroom caused the student to wake up.
Parnell said she was stunned by the officer's actions. The officer did not give any warning before using the Taser, according to Parnell.
"I was a little surprised by it. Our interest is in the safety of our students so hearing that go off was a little alarming," Parnell said.
Funk plans to meet with the village solicitor to determine if any criminal charges should be filed.
The chief said Boskoski violated the use of Taser policy and what she did in the classroom could put her job in jeopardy.
"It's unfortunate and I'm disappointed that this took place. It's something I would not have expected from any of our officers," Funk said.
A review of her personnel file shows Boskoski served in the United State Air Force Reserve.
As a Smithville officer, she was given a letter of recognition for a giving a homeless man clothing from her cruiser and taking him to a shelter.
Earlier this year, a performance log noted she neglected to remove the cartridge from a Taser prior to a spark test. As a result, the Taser deployed in close proximity to another officer.
The officer was advised future incidents of a similar negligent manner could subject her to disciplinary action.
Boskoski was unable to be reached for comment.
The school sent the following letter to parents:
