An altercation erupted in dramatic fashion at a kindergarten graduation ceremony in Ohio, involving families clashing over seating arrangements. This incident at a Catholic school led to one woman being hospitalized and another facing arrest.
The commotion unfolded Thursday morning at the Queen of Apostles School in Toledo when reports surfaced of a family monopolizing entire rows of seats. Witnesses informed WTVG that the situation escalated when others attempted to use some of the reserved seating.
Jessica Anderson, 28, allegedly lashed out with profanities at the confused parents who approached the seats she was reportedly claiming. Her actions quickly drew attention and concern among those present.
Craig Mays, a fellow parent, recounted to the media how he attempted to de-escalate the situation by speaking with Anderson. However, before he could fully engage in dialogue, her family members allegedly attacked him.
“While trying to reason with Jessica, I suddenly found myself being hit unexpectedly,” Mays recalled. He described how five men, apparently part of Anderson’s extended family, emerged from their seats and physically overwhelmed him.
He said that five men in Anderson’s extended family surged out of their seats and dogpiled on him.
The wild video obtained by the outlet showed several people pummeling a man who lay prone on the ground while others tried to yank them all apart.
When Mays’ ex-partner tried to step in, Anderson allegedly snagged her by the hair and dragged her away — as captured on video by horrified bystanders.
The two women fought off to the side, each grasping the other by the hair and repeatedly pounding their heads. Mays’ former partner appeared to slam her face into a metal chair while Anderson shoved her away from the larger brawl, according to the video.
The woman was later hospitalized and required stitches, according to an affidavit obtained by WTOL 11.
Anderson was arrested and charged with felonious assault.
The children were rehearsing for their highly anticipated graduation ceremony in a separate room when the fight broke out. The school assured that all the students were safe and carried on with their last day of school celebrations as usual.
It’s unclear if the school will attempt to host another graduation ceremony for the tykes. Mays, who teaches kindergarten at a separate school, is hoping for the best.
“I know how hard those kids work, I know how hard those teachers work, for us to ruin it and be selfish like that, it literally breaks my heart that I can’t watch my daughter graduate today,” Mays told WTVG.
READ ALSO: Chilling Discovery: Police Uncover Mackenzie Shirilla’s Mangled Car in Shocking Footage
