Woman charged after allegedly beating teen with metal water bottle outside Brentwood High School
BRENTWOOD, New York (WABC) -- A mother from Long Island is facing charges after allegedly assaulting a teenager with a metal water bottle at Brentwood High School.
Suffolk County Police say Toni Monroe, 35, spotted her 15-year-old daughter exchanging words with a 14-year-old girl as they left school around 11 a.m. Tuesday. Police say Monroe then struck the girl several times with a metal water bottle.
Eyewitness News spoke with the 14-year-old victim, Madison Evans.
"Her mom just came in and started beating me with the cup," said the victim, Madison Evans. "I took my head because I saw blood dripping. I took my head and I saw blood all over my hands."
Evans, who is about to start 10th grade at Brentwood High School, described the brutal fight as she left summer classes Tuesday morning.
In video taken by her cousin, you can see her arguing with the other student, a 15-year-old girl in a lavender shirt. Security tried to keep them apart, doing what they can at first, but then that's when you hear the Monroe, mother of the 15-year-old student, tell her daughter to "Give me your Stanley."
Video then shows Monroe, in a yellow tank top, begin to pummel Evans. Security called for back up, but was unable to stop the injury that resulted.
Police arrested Monroe in the parking lot a short time later.
Evans was taken to a local hospital for treatment, and said she had to get 17 stitches.
The Brentwood Superintendent of Schools Wanda Ortiz-Rivera sent a letter to parents and staff saying, "We are aware of the incident that occurred yesterday during dismissal involving two students and a parent. The safety and well-being of our students is always our highest priority, and this type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our schools."
In First District Court in Central Islipon Wednesday, Toni Monroe faced a judge. Her lawyer insisted it was Monroe'sdaughter who was being bullied. In fact, her lawyer says that it was because of the bullying that Toni Monroe was at Brentwood High School on Tuesday for a meeting.
Monroe's family said nothing to reporters as they left the courthouse, but after the chaos of this fight, the victim's cousin spoke out.
"As a mom you're supposed to diffuse the situation and take your daughter away to see what's going on, instead of attacking a kid with a cup," Tyleen Smith said.
Madison Evans' guardian told Eyewitness News that the video speaks volumes.
"She could've died. Anything could've happened to her, more than just being hit over the head and having 17 stitches," said Evans' guardian Shameakca Forney.
Toni Monroe has no prior criminal history, but now, she faces two felony counts for second-degree assault, and also, endangering the welfare of a child.
The judge released her with a GPS monitor. He also issued an order of protection, to protect the 14-year-old victim in this case.
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