INDIANAPOLIS — An arrest warrant has been issued for a daycare worker accused of pushing a child at a north side Indianapolis daycare last month, according to court documents.
The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Donielle Gladney, is facing a Level 6 felony charge for Battery on a Person under the age of 14.
The incident reportedly occurred at the Academy for Young Achievers, located at 6601 Grandview Drive, where Gladney was working as a teacher at the time. An investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Child Abuse Unit began on May 22 after a report of alleged physical abuse was made.
According to court records, the victim, a 5-year-old child, complained of leg pain to their mother, prompting a hospital visit. While being treated, the child told medical staff that Gladney had pushed them, causing a leg injury. The child claimed the push occurred after they had pushed another child.
During the investigation, detectives spoke with the daycare’s director of education, who confirmed Gladney had been employed at the facility since October 30, 2024, and was most recently assigned to the toddler room. Upon learning of the incident, the director reviewed surveillance footage from the school’s security system.
The video allegedly showed Gladney lunging toward the child and shoving them to the ground. A search warrant was later obtained to review the footage in detail.
The director also revealed that another teacher witnessed the incident but failed to report it. That teacher was ultimately terminated for their inaction, court documents state.
On June 4, the child reportedly woke up in the middle of the night crying and screaming in pain, telling their mother that their leg was broken. The child again stated a substitute teacher had pushed them from behind. The mother took the child back to the hospital for further evaluation.
According to online court records, an arrest warrant for Gladney was issued out of Marion Superior Court 26 on June 20. At this time, authorities have not confirmed whether Gladney has been taken into custody.
