MADERA – Madera Police officer’s responded to Cesar Chavez Elementary School Thursday regarding a battery on a school official. The altercation occurred when a parent, identified by police as Gregory Smith (27), was escorting his child across campus. The school's principal was trying to bring Smith and the student to the school's office to talk when she was assaulted.
After the incident, Smith left school grounds. Madera Police attempted to contact Smith at an apartment complex on Wood Street in Madera and observed him leaving in a vehicle. Officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle just outside the complex.
Smith stopped and began yelling at the officers and refused their commands to exit the vehicle. Officers began approaching the vehicle and the suspect drove away. A short pursuit ensued, which ended approximately a half mile from where it began.
Officers made numerous commands for him to exit the vehicle and he complied and was taken into custody without further incident. Smith’s wife and five young children, ages 3 to 9 were inside of the vehicle, unrestrained, which were all placed into protective custody and turned over to Madera Child Protective Services.
He was booked into the Madera County Jail on several charges, including battery on school official with injury, child endangerment and resisting arrest. At least one of the charges is a felony. Smith’s wife was also arrested.
The principal who was assaulted suffered only minor injuries, and no one else was hurt.
Madera Unified School District Superintendent Todd Lile issued a statement on the incident, assuring parents that no children were injured and that counseling services and extra support have been deployed to the school for them, the school's staff and students.
"Additionally, law enforcement is fully engaged with the district to ensure staff and student safety," Lile said.
STATEMENT ON ASSAULT ON CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY CAMPUS
During the school day, an employee of Madera Unified was assaulted on campus by a parent. School site staff took immediate action by contacting the police and the perpetrator was arrested by the Madera Police Department. The district will pursue all legal action to ensure the safety of our staff and students. No students were injured during the incident. The employee who was assaulted sustained minor injuries. Counseling Services and extra support have been deployed to the school and will be available for staff, students and parents. Additionally, law enforcement is fully engaged with the district to ensure staff and student safety.
