COCOA BEACH, Fla. — A Cocoa Beach teacher is facing felony child abuse charges after police said she hit a student in the face.

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Officers said Candice Bartell was caught on video hitting a child who has autism.

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Bartell, who is a teacher at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary, told investigators it was a “playful tap” to show affection.

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School officials told investigators that teachers know not to touch students’ faces.

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