NORTHAMPTON — Police arrested a Florence resident Wednesday afternoon for allegedly assaulting a 17-year-old Northampton High School student while visiting the school for an appointment with administrators.
Amanda Diaz, 29, came to the school with her brother and niece to meet with school administrators, said Northampton Police Capt. Corey Robinson. While waiting in the lobby prior to the meeting, Diaz saw a17-year-old student in the hallway with whom she had a “prior issue.” Robinson said Diaz darted out of the lobby without authorization and confronted the student.
“Apparently she had a prior issue with this female and she stormed out of the lobby and it resulted in a fight in the hallway,” Robinson said.
Northampton Police arrived at the school at approximately 2 p.m., observing Diaz exiting the school building with blood covering her face and shirt. Robinson said roughly a dozen police cruisers responded and Diaz was detained while an investigation followed.
School administrators immediately placed the school in a shelter-in-place status while staff intervened and broke up the altercation. Both Diaz and the juvenile student had injuries that were not life threatening, police said.
Along with assault and battery, Diaz is facing charges of trespassing and disturbing school assembly.
Diaz pleaded not guilty in Northampton District Court on Thursday morning and was released with a return date of April 8.
Northampton Police continue to work closely with school officials to ensure the safety of students and staff. Northampton Public Schools Superintendent Portia Bonner did not respond in time for press.