A Centreville man who worked as an instructional assistant at an elementary school has been charged with assaulting a student with special needs. Fairfax County police identified the man as Mark MacDicken, 60.

He’s been employed at Dogwood Elementary in Reston for approximately 10 years. But according to police, on Sept. 16, two teachers walked into their classroom there and allegedly witnessed MacDicken assaulting the student.   

Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau’s Child Abuse Squad charged him with assault on Sept. 20, and he was then released on his own recognizance.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 4. Tips may also be submitted anonymously via Crime Solvers by phoning 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).