A kindergarten graduation in Ohio was canceled before the children ever got their big moment after a fight over seats allegedly exploded into a violent brawl among parents and family members.
The shocking scene unfolded Thursday morning, May 21, at Queen of Apostles School in Toledo, where proud families had gathered to watch their little graduates celebrate.
But before the ceremony could begin, the adults allegedly turned the milestone moment into chaos.
Police said the fight started over seating arrangements while the children were downstairs rehearsing and preparing for the ceremony.
Parent Craig Mays told 13 Action News that one family began moving chairs and creating their own seating area, which ended up blocking his child’s mother’s view.
“There was another family who started to grab their own chairs and kind of like make their own space and make their own seating,” Mays said. “Which I really didn’t have a problem with but my kid’s mom, they were right in front of her and she couldn’t see.”
Mays said the situation quickly grew tense when a woman behind him began cursing and insulting them.
“The girl behind me she’s just talking just cussing talking crazy,” Mays said. “Calling us weird and saying we need to mind our business.”
Police identified that woman as 28-year-old Jessica Anderson.
According to police and court records cited by local outlets, Anderson was arrested and charged with felonious assault. She allegedly grabbed another woman by the hair and struck her head against a chair, leaving the victim with injuries that required stitches.
Mays said he tried to calm the situation down, but the argument escalated fast.
He claimed that as he and Anderson were going back and forth, several members of her family suddenly stood up.
“… her whole family in the first two rows stood up – five guys, five girls – they just all stand up as I’m arguing with Jessica,” Mays told 13 Action News. “I literally don’t remember anything, I just know was sucker punched.”
Mays said he was knocked to the ground and then attacked by multiple people.
“Once I was taken it to the ground, it was probably four or five other guys that were on top of me trampling me, punching me,” he said. “You kick me in the head.”
He said his child’s mother tried to help him, but she was also allegedly attacked.
Video shared with 13 Action News reportedly showed Anderson grabbing the woman by the hair while several other women joined the fight.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
“She grabbed my kid’s mom by her hair, pulled her away from me, started punching her face then maybe five or six other girls just came and trampled her and was just stomping her kicking her in the face,” Mays said.
Police responded to the school after 8:45 a.m. for a report of several people involved in a dispute. One person, identified as a 26-year-old, was taken to the hospital for treatment, according to People. Anderson was booked later that morning.
The school called 911 and shut down the graduation ceremony entirely.
In a statement posted after the incident, Queen of Apostles School said it was grateful for the Toledo Police Department’s quick response.
“We appreciate your rapid response to the situation that some people brought to our school,” the school said. “All our students are safe, thankfully, and the last day of school continues as usual.”
The children were not hurt, and they were reportedly in a separate area when the brawl broke out.
But for the families who came to watch a sweet kindergarten milestone, the day was ruined.
Mays, who is a kindergarten teacher himself, said the whole thing was heartbreaking because he knows how much work the children and teachers put into graduation.
“So, being at another school’s kindergarten graduation, I know how hard those kids work,” he told 13 Action News. “I know how hard those teachers work for us just to ruin it and be selfish like that and it breaks my heart. I couldn’t watch my daughter graduate today.”
The school has not announced when the graduation will be rescheduled.