Parent arrested after punching a sixth grader at Airport Elementary

By Jeff Small

KSDK -- A local mother was arrested after allegedly punching a sixth grader. It happened Wednesday morning at Airport Elementary School in Berkeley. School officials would not comment on camera but police said a 27-year-old mother could soon be charged with child abuse.

On Wednesday morning while kids were on the playground, calmness turned into chaos when the parent of an Airport student came onto campus. Police said a parent approached a student, who sources said is a sixth grade girl. Police said words were exchanged and then at least one punch from the adult, just as school officials called police.

An adult was arrested and a juvenile taken to the hospital after sources said she was hit in the mouth.

"The information I received is that we had a situation that involved juveniles and the adult became involved for whatever reason," said Chief Frank Mccall with the Berkeley Police Department.

Ferguson Florissant school officials sent a letter home with parents informing them an incident occurred at school. Officials said police were contacted and an internal investigation is underway following the incident.

"That was crazy and I don't know why someone would hit a kid like that," said parent William Armstead.

Police believe the parent could be charged soon with either child abuse or assault, both felony crimes.