Larimer News

****Updated Press Release Regarding School District Employee**** 

Detectives have continued to work with the Poudre School District regarding the investigation of Tyler Zanella who was a paraprofessional with the district. Detectives reviewed hours of surveillance video from the bus routes that Zanella rode, and multiple additional assaults were discovered. All Zanella’s victims, a total of six, were discovered to be at-risk due to their disabilities. Detectives worked to notify the involved victim’s families of the incidents, and on May 30, 2023, met with the Larimer County District Attorney’s Office. The Larimer County District Attorney’s Office accepted and filed the following charges:

30 counts of 18-3-204 Assault in the Third-Degree At-Risk Person, a Class 6 Felony

30 counts of 18-6-401 Child Abuse, a Class 1 Misdemeanor

49 counts of 18-9-111 Harassment, a Class 1 Misdemeanor

19 counts of 18-6-401 Child Abuse (different section than the previous charges), a Class 2 Misdemeanor.

“This case highlights the strong collaboration Fort Collins Police has between its School Resource Unit and its Crimes Against Persons Unit, to help protect our children. The assistance and cooperation from the Poudre School District have helped to hold this suspect accountable,” said Lieutenant Sara Lynd who oversees the Crimes Against Persons Detective Unit.

Anyone with information regarding Zanella is asked to call Detective Brandon Wootan at (970) 295-9208.

Due to these cases involving at-risk juveniles, no additional information will be released because of statutory protections. All charges are merely allegations by law enforcement, and every individual must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

****Original Press Release Below****

On May 23, 2023, Fort Collins Police were notified of a possible assault on a Poudre School District student by a Poudre School District paraprofessional who rides the school buses. This was brought to our attention by the Poudre School District. Our School Resource Officers began an investigation immediately in conjunction with the Poudre School District. Officers were able to view surveillance video from the school bus which showed the paraprofessional, Tyler Zanella (DOB: 10/31/1986), hitting the kindergarten victim, who has disabilities, on several occasions. Officers were able to determine that the juvenile victim was struck by Zanella on April 25th, May 19th, and May 22nd based on the video surveillance that was reviewed.

On May 24th, Fort Collins Police Officers arrested Zanella on the following charges:

3 Counts of 18-6.5-103(3)(c) Crimes Against At-Risk Juvenile – 3rd Degree Assault – Class 6 Felony

3 Counts of 18-3-204(1a) 3rd Degree Assault – a Class 1 Misdemeanor

3 Counts of 18-6-401(7)(b)(I) Child Abuse – Knowingly or Recklessly – Class 2 Misdemeanor

Zanella was subsequently booked into the Larimer County jail. All charges are merely allegations by law enforcement, and every individual must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Officers have reason to believe that there may be additional victims. Anyone with information regarding this case or other cases involving Zanella is asked to contact Officer Dexter Rowe at (970) 472 3705.

“I’m grateful for the swift and thorough investigation by our School Resource Officers and the Poudre School District to prevent the suspect from continuing these reprehensible actions,” said Sergeant Andy Ferraro who oversees the Fort Collins Police School Resource Officer Team.

Due to this case involving an at-risk juvenile, no additional information will be released because of statutory protections.

Original source can be found here