WAYNESBORO, VA (Rocktown Now) — On May 11, 2026, at approximately 9:45 a.m., the Waynesboro Police Department and Waynesboro Public Schools began investigating an alleged assault involving a substitute teacher and a juvenile student at a local elementary school.

Upon notification of the incident, Waynesboro Public School staff and a Waynesboro Police Department School Resource Officer (SRO) reportedly acted promptly and began a collaborative investigation. The student received medical attention, and the substitute teacher was immediately removed from the classroom to prevent further contact with students.

The preliminary investigation determined that Douglas R. Woodside, 66, of Charlottesville, allegedly assaulted a student while attempting to discipline the juvenile for a reported classroom disruption.

Following the investigation, the School Resource Officer presented the findings to a State Magistrate and obtained warrants for Woodside. He has been charged with the following:

• Abuse and Neglect of Children (One Felony Count)

• Assault and Battery (One Misdemeanor Count)

Woodside turned himself in to the Waynesboro Police Department on May 12, 2026, and was released on a $3,500 unsecured bond pending court.