Bibb County Teacher Arrested, Accused of Pepper Spraying Student

A Bibb County teacher was arrested Friday accused of using pepper spray on an unruly, special needs student.

It happened at Elam Alexander Academy on Ridge Avenue. 

 Police say two teenaged students were being disruptive in class and refused to return to their seats. That’s when, the teacher Barbara Neeley pepper sprayed the boys. One closed his eyes. The other didn’t, and had to be treated by the school nurse. Neeleey was arrested, charged with cruelty to children, and taken to Bibb County Jail.

The 14 year old who was treated had been diagnosed with mild retardation, anxiety disorder, ADHD, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Neeley is on administrative leave.