A Florida mother was arrested after allegedly attempting to run over a school staff member at Port Charlotte High School last week. Tarajayne Samuels-Catalan, 42, dropped off her child at the school on Thursday morning and tried to exit the parking lot the same way she had entered. However, she was stopped by a school worker who informed her that she couldn’t leave that way due to buses coming through to drop off students.
According to authorities, Samuels-Catalan became agitated but eventually turned her car around, giving the staff member the impression that she was leaving through the exit. However, after the bus had passed and dropped off students, Samuels-Catalan allegedly turned her car around towards the staff member and accelerated, revving the engine while speeding towards him. The staff member managed to dive out of the way and landed in a line of bushes.
Authorities were able to obtain the car’s license plate from the staff member and conducted an investigation. A witness and security footage corroborated the victim’s claim. Samuels-Catalan, during an interview with deputies, denied attempting to strike the victim with her vehicle and explained that she preferred using the entry to avoid speed bumps in the exit area that could damage her car.
Samuels-Catalan has been charged with aggravated assault on a public or private education employee and is currently held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond. Sheriff Bill Prummell emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of students and staff, stating that they will not cut corners in this regard. He expressed relief that the victim was unharmed and hoped that Samuels-Catalan would reconsider the example she is setting for her child.
This incident highlights the potential dangers within school pick-up and drop-off lines and the importance of maintaining a safe environment for students and staff.
