Sheriff: Woman arrested for punching, biting officer at Jacksonville IDEA school
Share this @internewscast.com

Sheriff T.K. Waters reported that a law enforcement officer tried to speak with a woman concerning her unattended vehicle, but the encounter turned physical.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — During a press briefing on Friday afternoon, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters disclosed the arrest of a woman, who allegedly assaulted an officer by punching and biting him near an IDEA charter school earlier this week.

The woman, Erika McGriff, 39, faced charges including battery against a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence, along with operating a motor vehicle on a revoked license. Each of these offenses is considered a third-degree felony, with potential penalties of up to five years in prison.


Additionally, McGriff has received multiple traffic citations, Waters said.

McGriff’s arrest stems from a Tuesday, Oct. 7 incident outside the IDEA charter school, located at 1845 Bassett Rd.

McGriff, identified as a parent at the IDEA school and described by Waters as a “habitual traffic offender,” had parked her running car illegally near the school and left it unattended, according to Waters.

Officer Holton attempted to address the car situation with McGriff, but the engagement reportedly escalated into a physical altercation.

Bodycam footage presented during the briefing depicted Officer Holton forcefully subduing McGriff by taking her to the ground and pulling her hair following a fist fight that unfolded before a large group of onlookers.

“She violently resisted Officer Holton and eventually, punched him repeatedly and bit him with such force that it left a bite impression on his forearm,” Waters said. “It’s shocking to me that you square up to fight a police officer just maybe when you’re gonna get a citation.”

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Makes First Halo Law Violation Arrests

Two others who had been spectating the incident, Anita Gibson and Jasmine Jefferson, were arrested for violating Florida’s Halo Law, according to the agency.

“This law creates a 25-foot buffer around first responders, prohibiting individuals from approaching within this area or harassing a first responder while conducting their official duty after a verbal warning,” Waters said.

Waters said this incident marked the first time JSO arrested someone for violating the state’s Halo Law.


“So, what’s today’s takeaway?” Waters rhetorically asked. “If you violently resist our officers, if you punch them, if you bite them, you will be arrested. If you crowd and harass our officers or any first responder after a verbal warning, you will be arrested. Officer Holton was simply doing his job.”

Four Arrests Total

The incident lead to four total arrests as of Friday, according to JSO, after the agency announced that a teenager was also charged. The sheriff’s office said the girl, who was not identified, threatened to shoot up the charter school because of what happened.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago Marathon 2025: Visually-impaired runner Tim Paul prepares for Bank of America Chicago Marathon race day October 12

Visually-Impaired Athlete Tim Paul Gears Up for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 12

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Sunday, tens of thousands of runners will take…

Ten Banks Aim to Digitize the $500 Trillion US Capital Markets

In a groundbreaking development for the future of finance, ten of the…
Homeland Security responds to 'laser tag' threats from Portland group: 'This is incredibly dangerous'

Homeland Security Addresses Portland Group’s ‘Laser Tag’ Threats: ‘This is Extremely Risky’

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a response to an…
Ronald Exantus, who killed Logan Tipton in Kentucky, arrested in Florida

Ronald Exantus, Convicted of Killing Kentucky Child Logan Tipton, Arrested Again in Florida

Ronald Exantus’ early release from prison got the attention of Florida Gov.…
Palisades Fire suspect held without bond

Palisades Fire Suspect Criticized Trump on Social Media, Linked Wildfires to Climate Change

The man accused of starting the deadly Palisades Fire on New Year’s…
Bryan Kohberger caught on camera calmly shopping at stores hours after Idaho student murders

Bryan Kohberger Seen Casually Shopping Just Hours Following Idaho Student Murders

Bryan Kohberger drove for hours after the Idaho student murders, eventually captured…
Pro-Palestinian agitators attack police as riot erupts in Dem-run city, officials say

Police Union Chief Claims Pro-Palestinian Protesters Trapped Officers in Dangerous Situation, Cautions Against Instigators

The head of the union representing Boston police officers claimed that officers…
Historian Identifies Person's Ashes Inside Peg Leg Pete

Historian Discovers Human Ashes Found in Peg Leg Pete

Peg Leg Pete’s statue repair reveals ashes inside, identified as pirate club…
Protest in Chicago area: Broadview ICE facility protest, faith march expected Saturday; Trump admin. appeals National Guard ruling

Protest and Faith March Planned at Broadview ICE Facility in Chicago Area; Trump Administration Appeals National Guard Decision

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — The Trump administration is seeking an immediate legal…
Uproar as UN elects China and Iran to Human Rights Council positions: ‘Without shame’

Controversy Erupts as China and Iran Are Chosen for UN Human Rights Council: ‘Shameless’

The United Nations Human Rights Council sparked outrage on Wednesday when it…
Jail's tight leash on Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin all about 'safety,' not silencing, expert says

Alleged Charlie Kirk Attacker Requests to Wear Civilian Clothes for Court Hearings

Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie…
New Orleans is electing a new mayor and a wide field is pledging change after indictments

New Orleans Votes for a New Mayor with Many Candidates Promising Reform After Recent Indictments

Voters in New Orleans are heading to the polls on Saturday to…