Background: PortMiami in Miami, Fla. (Google Maps). Inset: Paetra Grandsberry (Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation).
A Minnesota mother is facing a charge of child abuse after an incident aboard a cruise ship that docked in Florida, where she allegedly tackled a teenager to the ground.
Paetra Grandsberry, 38, found herself in a confrontation on a Carnival Cruise ship on Sunday. According to law enforcement, Grandsberry was discussing an alleged assault on her sons with a security guard when she spotted a group of teenagers she believed were involved. She claimed to have seen one of the teens strike her sons. Acting on instinct, Grandsberry reportedly took off after the group, ultimately tackling one of the teenagers and grabbing him by the collar, as detailed in court documents reviewed by Law&Crime.
Witnesses reported that during the altercation, Grandsberry called out to her children, instructing them to “attack” the boy she had restrained, identifying him as one of the alleged assailants. Security personnel eventually intervened, allowing the teenager to escape and return to his aunt.
After being detained and informed of her rights, Grandsberry explained to the police that she quickly realized she had targeted the wrong individual. In a moment of anger and confusion, she admitted to rushing at the boy, accidentally falling on him, and uttering a profanity-laced insult.
Grandsberry stated that upon recognizing her error, she immediately ceased her actions. Once the ship docked in Miami, Florida, authorities from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office took her into custody.
The teenager involved reported no injuries from the incident and did not require medical attention, according to police statements.
Grandsberry was charged with one count of child abuse with no great bodily harm and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where she is being held on $2,500 bond.
