A tense office meeting at a West Chester preschool ended with a panic alarm, a worker hitting her head on glass, and an assault charge for a staff member who police say turned herself in after the dust-up.
Officers were called Wednesday to Crème de la Crème on Market Place Drive after the center’s panic alarm went off. According to a police report, Christian Smiley became upset when she was called into an office to discuss a prior incident. When she was asked to leave, police say she instead lunged at and shoved a coworker, causing the other employee to hit her head on a glass vestibule. Although surveillance cameras did not capture the shove, three employees reported witnessing the confrontation, and Smiley later surrendered to authorities and is now charged with assault, according to WKRC.
Where It Happened
Police say the altercation unfolded at the Crème de la Crème child-care center in West Chester. The company’s website lists a preschool location on Market Place Drive and confirms a West Chester center operating in that area, per Crème de la Crème.
State Oversight and Complaints
In Ohio, licensed child-care programs are subject to regular state inspections and complaint investigations, and families can check a center’s licensing status and inspection history online. Those records are available through the state’s Child Care Search portal.
What the Charge Means
Under Ohio law, assault generally means knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person. It is typically a first-degree misdemeanor, although certain circumstances listed in the statute can elevate the offense to a felony. Penalties depend on how the offense is classified and any aggravating factors, as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code.
Smiley’s case is moving through the Butler County justice system and the investigation is still active. Police have not said whether any children saw what happened, and authorities have not released additional details. The center’s licensing history can be reviewed through the state portal, as reported by WKRC.
