Autistic 10-year-old arrested at school, pleads not to be touched

A shocking video has shown police officers arresting a 10-year-old schoolboy with autism, while he pleads with them not to touch him.

John Benjamin Haygood and his mother were called into Okeechobee Achievement Academy in Florida for standardised testing on April 12 but upon arrival they were confronted by two police officers with an arrest warrant.

The warrant was issued after the schoolboy allegedly “scratched and kicked” his educational assistant six months earlier.

With his mother filming, a confused looking John remained seated and pleaded with the two deputies not to touch him.

"I don't want to be touched. I don't like to be touched," John said repeatedly.

"I didn't know I was going to get arrested like this."

His mother then tried to clarify but her efforts were in vain.

"He has autism. He doesn’t know what’s going on, he’s scared to death, he’s 10 years old," she added.

Not obliged to explain the details of the warrant, the police officers remained tight lipped as they escorted the terrified schoolboy away.

“Excuse me, do you have any paperwork or anything you can show me?” John’s mother asked again.

John's case is currently before court.