A middle school teacher in Lake Wales was arrested and charged with several felonies after an alleged violent encounter at his ex-girlfriend’s residence. According to FOX 13 News, 51-year-old Thomas Griffin is accused of forcing his way into the home, attacking his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend, and subsequently strangling him.
Reports indicate that the incident unfolded last Saturday when Griffin allegedly arrived at the house, banged on the door, and demanded to quickly know the location of the new boyfriend. After the boyfriend tried to communicate with Griffin, he was physically assaulted, detailed WTSP. The victim recounted to deputies how Griffin grabbed and pinned him against a wall, impeding his breathing, and landed multiple punches, resulting in a knocked-out tooth and a bloody visage.
After the attack, which also occurred in the presence of the woman's child, Griffin fled but was apprehended on Tuesday. The Polk County Sheriff's Office confirmed the arrest, stating that Griffin had no permission to be at the ex-girlfriend's home and had forcefully entered. Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his dismay, saying, "As a teacher, hopefully a former teacher, Griffin holds a position of trust in our community—a trust that has been severely broken." This was reiterated in a statement obtained by WFLA.
Currently, Thomas Griffin stands accused of burglary with assault, false imprisonment, and battery by strangulation. He has been placed on administrative leave from his position at McLaughlin Middle School by the Polk County Public Schools, pending the outcome of an internal investigation. The injured man was taken to the hospital to receive necessary treatment for the injuries sustained during the altercation.
