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
Philippine police deployed to arrest 18 suspects in a corruption scandal that has sparked outrage

Philippine Authorities Move to Arrest 18 in Major Corruption Scandal Stirring Public Outcry

By JIM GOMEZ MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A significant crackdown on corruption…
'Rental Family' writer-director Hikari says new Brendan Fraser comedy movie based on real-life service providing human connection

Brendan Fraser’s Latest Comedy, Directed by ‘Rental Family’ Creator Hikari, Explores Real-Life Human Connection Services

CHICAGO (WLS) — The much-anticipated film “Rental Family” has hit theaters, garnering…
Rick Pitino, St. John’s head to Las Vegas for second big test of season

Rick Pitino and St. John’s Basketball Face Major Challenge in Las Vegas Showdown

St. John’s is gearing up for a challenging stint in Las Vegas.…
JSO: Three teens arrested in connection with October murder in Downtown Jacksonville

JSO: Trio of Teenagers Apprehended for Alleged Involvement in October Downtown Jacksonville Homicide

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has apprehended three teenagers in connection with the…
Florida deputy with 25 years on force killed serving eviction notice; suspect, locksmith also shot: sheriff

Tragedy in Florida: Veteran Deputy Killed During Eviction Notice Turned Deadly Shooting

A deputy sheriff from Florida lost her life in the line of…
'It's life-changing': Single mother battling cancer gets new car from Lone Warrior Foundation

Single Mother Fighting Cancer Receives Life-Changing Gift: A New Car from Lone Warrior Foundation

Amid her struggle with ovarian cancer, Lakeisha Glaspie found solace and support…
Chicago train attack suspect ordered by judge to remain in custody ahead of trial

Judge Orders Chicago Train Attack Suspect to Stay in Custody Until Trial

A man accused of setting a young woman on fire on a…
Knife-wielding man in St. Louis airport shot and killed by police

Police Fatally Shoot Knife-Wielding Attacker at St. Louis Airport: Safety Concerns Addressed

A suspect armed with a knife was fatally shot on Friday morning…
FBI restricted agents from working with CAIR years before Texas branded group a terrorist organization

FBI Curtailed Collaboration with CAIR Years Ahead of Texas Designating the Group as a Terrorist Organization

Report: Muslim Brotherhood embedded in US agencies Dr. Qanta Ahmed from the…
Jets mailbag: What should the Gang Green be thankful for this holiday season?

Jets Mailbag: Exploring What the Gang Green Can Appreciate This Holiday Season

As the holiday season swiftly approaches, anticipation fills the air. Yet, with…
Glynn Co. officer arrested for disorderly conduct after property damage incident at apartment complex

Glynn County Officer Faces Charges for Disorderly Conduct and Property Damage at Local Apartment Complex

A Glynn County police officer has been implicated in an incident at…
New Brendan Fraser movie focuses on having loved ones in your life even if they are a 'Rental Family'

Brendan Fraser’s Latest Film Explores the Heartwarming Concept of ‘Rental Families’ and the Power of Love

Brendan Fraser headlines the new film “Rental Family,” where he portrays an…