Autistic Boy Found Near Busy Road, Family Sues School District

Lawsuit alleges negligence, lack of supervision led to incident that left child injured

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:53pm

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The family of a 7-year-old autistic boy who was found running alongside a busy road in Lexington, Kentucky during school hours has filed a lawsuit against Fayette County Public Schools, its superintendent, and multiple staff members. The complaint alleges the boy, identified as P.W., was able to climb out of an unattended classroom window and wander onto the dangerous stretch of New Circle Road, where he was eventually rescued by animal control officers. The lawsuit claims the school failed to provide proper supervision and security measures, leading to the incident that left the child injured.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and supervision of students with special needs, especially those prone to wandering or fixating on specific objects like windows. The lawsuit raises questions about school security protocols, staff training, and accountability when incidents like this occur that put vulnerable students at risk.

The details

According to the complaint, on November 17, 2025, P.W. arrived at his Meadowthorpe Elementary School classroom around noon. The suit alleges the classroom window was left unattended, despite a teacher's prior request for a window lock. Around 12:33 p.m., P.W. climbed out the open window and roamed the school yard for 19 minutes before finding a hole in the fence and running onto the busy New Circle Road, which was under construction at the time. Multiple 911 callers reported seeing the child on the roadway, and animal control officers eventually secured him. The school was unaware P.W. was missing until emergency responders called to confirm his identity.

  • On November 17, 2025, P.W. arrived at Meadowthorpe Elementary around noon.
  • Around 12:33 p.m. on November 17, 2025, P.W. climbed out the classroom window.
  • P.W. roamed the school yard for about 19 minutes before finding the fence hole.
  • Emergency responders called the school around 1:08 p.m. to confirm P.W.'s identity.

The players

P.W.

A 7-year-old autistic student at Meadowthorpe Elementary School.

Fayette County Public Schools

The school district being sued by P.W.'s family.

Demetrus Liggins

The superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools.

Stephanie Price

The principal of Meadowthorpe Elementary School.

Darcy Giaquinto

The teacher in P.W.'s moderate to severe disability classroom.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety and proper supervision of all students, especially our most vulnerable. This incident is unacceptable and demands accountability.”

— Demetrus Liggins, Superintendent, Fayette County Public Schools

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed and determine if the school district and staff members named as defendants will face further legal action.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for schools to have robust security measures, staff training, and protocols in place to protect students with special needs and prevent such dangerous incidents from occurring. Accountability and transparency will be key to ensuring the safety of all students.