Sheriff's deputy fired after video shows him slamming, dragging student: 'We were shocked'

A North Carolina sheriff's deputy was fired after surveillance video caught him body-slamming a middle school student.

The deputy, whose name was not released, was terminated, "effective immediately," Vance County, N.C., Sheriff Curtis Brame told WTVD. State investigators are now deciding whether to file criminal charges against him. He was previously on paid administrative leave after the video surfaced on Thursday.

The footage from Vance County Middle School shows the resource officer grab a student, slam him against his body and throw him on the ground. He then picks up the child and throws him to the ground again before dragging him down the hall.

The video doesn't have audio, so investigators don't know what was said before the former deputy lashed out at the child. Brame said the former deputy has yet to offer an explanation as to what prompted his reaction.

"When we first saw the video ... we were shocked," Brame told ABC News. "I don't expect my deputy or any deputy, or law enforcement in North Carolina to carry out their duties in that way."

The school released a statement expressing it is "deeply concerned by the actions that took place."

"School and district officials are working closely and in full cooperation with the local authorities to address this matter consistent with school board policy and state laws," the statement said.

Vance County District Attorney Mike Waters told ABC News the unnamed boy suffered minor injuries.

Waters said that he couldn't think of a justification for the "stunning" incident.

"I don't know what was said," he told ABC News. "I don't think anything that was said or anything like that could justify his action. I don't think that will be relevant to any determination."

A decision on whether to charge the deputy or take the case to a grand jury will be made early this week, according to Waters.