YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A picture of a teacher who appears to be dragging a student down a Youngstown school hallway has evoked strong emotions as it spread locally and nationwide.  

The picture taken in the hallway of  Wilson Middle School led to the firing of an Alta Head Start teacher.

Now it could also lead to a lawsuit against Alta and the Youngstown City School District.

 "We are sending a letter to Alta and Youngstown City Schools asking them to preserve any and all evidence that that have," said attorney David Betras who represents the mother of the child seen in the picture. "We are going to do our own investigation and assess where we go from there."

Alta Care Group's CEO  had no comment on litigation that may be pending. Neither did the Youngstown City Schools.

 "I want to know what type of training she had, her background and if there were any prior complaints, and whether the city schools have any idea she was like this," said Betras.

Joe Shorokey is Alta Care Group's CEO. "Alta complies with all federal background checks for all employees.  We fired the teacher, apologized to the parent and community," said Shorokey. "The teacher's behavior was inexcusable and will never be tolerated. Alta stands for the highest standards of excellence and the teacher involved does not reflect our standards."

Albert Palombaro, who represents the fired teacher,  talked to 21 News print partner The Vindicator.

The teacher believes there should have been an investigation before she was terminated and told The Vindicator reporter Amanda Tonoli she is devastated.

"I've worked very hard to become a teacher and I would never hurt any child. I have always been an advocate for children and I'm being destroyed in the public by a snapshot," Jenn Lohr told The Vindicator.

"The four-year-old is traumatized and does not want to go to school now," said Betras. "People need to give the family time to digest what has happened and to give them some space."