A disturbing incident unfolded at WestGreen Park in Peoria, Arizona, leaving the community in shock. Brandie Gotch, a mother of four, has been charged with attempted murder after running over a girl she believed was bullying her daughter. This alarming altercation took place on Tuesday, and the details are truly distressing.
According to court documents and reports from AZ family, the situation escalated rapidly. Gotch, filled with rage, approached a 14-year-old boy, pulling his hair and menacingly threatening him with a sharp stick she had retrieved from her truck. Witnesses heard her scream, “I am going to kill you and run you over.” The situation only worsened from there.
Gotch claimed that her children had been victims of bullying both at school and at the park. She recounted witnessing the group throwing wood chips at her children and physically assaulting her daughter. When she stepped in to protect her child, she was met with derogatory insults, fueling the tension even more.
Video footage captured part of the altercation, revealing Gotch grabbing the boy by the hair and chasing him with the stick. Although she denied making direct threats, her behavior clearly indicated otherwise.
As tensions reached their peak, Gotch retreated to her truck where her children waited, and she accelerated towards the playground area where the children were gathered. In a horrifying turn of events, she ran over a girl’s ankle before fleeing the scene, leaving the injured child behind.
The severity of the incident led to Gotch’s apprehension later that day at her home. She now faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, along with six counts of endangerment, four counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Her bond has been set at $250,000.
Gotch expressed frustration during interviews with detectives, as her attempts to address the bullying issue with both the school and law enforcement had reportedly been unsuccessful. However, her response to the situation only intensified the harm, leading to grave consequences for herself and the victims.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about bullying and the appropriate methods to address it within communities and educational institutions. While bullying is undoubtedly a serious concern, responding with violence and retaliation, as exemplified by Gotch, only perpetuates the cycle of harm and puts innocent lives at risk.
Officer Zach Lekan of the Peoria Police Department stressed that the investigation is still ongoing, with interviews and witness statements being processed. As of now, the identities of the underage individuals involved have not been released, highlighting the need to protect their privacy and well-being.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this distressing event, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of resolving conflicts and addressing aggression through peaceful and constructive means. Ensuring the safety and welfare of all individuals, particularly children, must remain the top priority. Efforts to foster empathy, understanding, and effective communication are crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future.
For further information and comments regarding the ongoing investigation, DailyMail.com has reached out to the police department and sheriff’s office.
