Rockford Police arrested 33-year-old Shakeda Barfield on Wednesday after she allegedly attacked a staff member at Welsh Elementary School over spilled cocaine. The incident led to the school being placed on lockdown.
According to authorities, officers were called to Welsh Elementary, located at 2100 Huffman Blvd, at around 9:35 a.m. following reports of a “disruptive visitor” who was assaulting a staff member. Upon investigation, police discovered that the altercation began after baggies of cocaine fell from Barfield’s possession during a meeting with the staff member, via Local News.
When the staff member noticed the cocaine and prepared to call the police, Barfield reportedly became violent. She allegedly punched, scratched, and bit the victim. Court records also indicate that Barfield attempted to strangle the staff member using his own tie during the attack.
By the time officers arrived, the victim had sustained multiple injuries and was bleeding. An ambulance was called to the scene, though the injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Barfield was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including Aggravated Battery/Strangulation, Aggravated Battery to a School Employee, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, and Disorderly Conduct.
The school was temporarily placed on lockdown during the incident to ensure the safety of students and staff, but normal operations resumed after Barfield was arrested.