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
Turkey's growing reach in Africa seen complicating US strategy, analysts warn

Turkey’s Expanding Influence in Africa Poses Strategic Challenge for US, Experts Suggest

Turkey’s significant expansion in military, trade, Islamic diplomacy, and education across Africa…
Iran unrest escalates as gunfire, tear gas hit universities amid looming US strike

Escalating Tensions in Iran: Gunfire and Tear Gas Disrupt Universities Amid Potential US Strike

On Sunday, Iran witnessed a surge in unrest as anti-government protests erupted…
Secret Service kills armed man at Trump's Mar-a-Lago

Breaking News: Armed Intruder Neutralized by Secret Service at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate

In a dramatic turn of events, an armed individual was fatally shot…
NC college fires instructor who was running for office after rant on Charlie Kirk, Trump

North Carolina College Dismisses Instructor Amid Controversial Political Rant Against Trump and Charlie Kirk

A professor from a North Carolina college, who was also running for…
Trump admin reverses course, TSA says PreCheck will remain operational for now

TSA PreCheck to Remain Active as Trump Administration Reverses Decision: Latest Updates

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has unexpectedly decided to keep its PreCheck…
Rafter vanishes in Oregon wilderness, survives five-day ordeal before helicopter rescue

Missing Rafter Found Alive After Harrowing Five-Day Survival in Oregon Wilderness

A 26-year-old man, who went missing while rafting on Oregon’s Illinois River,…
Photos capture devastation after Chile truck explosion kills at least 4, damages at least 50 vehicles

Tragic Chile Truck Explosion Claims 4 Lives, Wrecks Over 50 Vehicles: Shocking Photos Reveal Devastation

On Thursday, a devastating truck explosion in Chile resulted in the tragic…
Who is 'El Mencho,' the Jalisco New Generation cartel leader gunned down by Mexican military?

Mexican Military Neutralizes Infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho

Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco…
Major drug lord 'El Mencho' killed in Mexican military operation with US intelligence support

Mexican Military Operation, Backed by US Intelligence, Successfully Takes Down Infamous Drug Lord ‘El Mencho

In a significant victory against organized crime, Mexico’s Defense Department announced on…
US assets in Middle East positioned for ‘highly kinetic’ war, ex-Pentagon official warns

Ex-Pentagon Official Sounds Alarm: US Middle East Assets Braced for ‘Highly Kinetic’ Conflict

The United States is primed for a “highly kinetic” military operation against…
Tourists in Mexican seaside city told to stay on resort as government warns of ‘clashes’

Travel Alert: Stay Safe in This Mexican Seaside City Amid Government Warnings of Potential Clashes

In Puerto Vallarta, a picturesque city on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, tourists found…
TSA says PreCheck still operational after previous announcement of suspension amid partial government shutdown

TSA Confirms PreCheck Services Uninterrupted Despite Government Shutdown Confusion

In a reassuring development for travelers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced…