A Florida couple has been arrested after allegedly attacking a school resource deputy who had filed battery charges against their son the day before. Jorge Rivera, 46, and his wife, Dagmarie Aponte Iturrino, 45, were taken into custody on November 19 and face multiple charges, including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, disrupting a school function, and trespassing on school property. Rivera also faces additional charges related to robbery with a weapon, grand theft, and assault or battery on specified officials or employees.
The incident began when the couple arrived at Deltona Middle School to protest their son’s battery charge for an incident where he had shoved a girl the previous day. According to a statement from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, during a meeting with the school resource deputy, Rivera became irate when he disagreed with the handling of the situation. He began yelling at the deputy and was asked to leave the school. However, the situation quickly escalated.
In the hallway, Iturrino allegedly pushed the deputy against a wall, and Rivera punched the deputy in the head, knocking her to the ground. Rivera then reportedly ripped her Taser from her hand. Despite the attack, the deputy managed to regain her footing, draw her firearm, and order Rivera to drop the Taser. He was then taken into custody.
The assault on the deputy was particularly alarming because Rivera allegedly called her a derogatory slur, prompting the authorities to add a hate crime enhancement to some of the charges against him. During the altercation, Rivera also allegedly assaulted the school principal, putting him in a headlock and shoving him to the side, leading to additional charges for battery on a school official.
Body camera footage from the incident shows a tense exchange between the parents and the deputy inside the school office. Rivera appears visibly agitated, shouting at the deputy and accusing her of failing the students. As the confrontation escalates, Rivera insults the deputy, saying, “Why are you this worthless. Do you feel proud that you are this worthless?” He then insults her further, calling her a “worthless piece of s ” and using a homophobic slur before leaving the office.
The deputy involved in the incident was reportedly treated for concussion symptoms at a local hospital but was released after receiving medical attention. The authorities expressed concern over the behavior displayed by the parents, emphasizing that such actions could contribute to the lack of respect for authority and consequences among some young people today.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood of Volusia County condemned the attack, stating, “If you’re wondering why some kids show no fear of consequences in today’s society, look no further than these parents as Exhibit A.” He expressed relief that the couple had been arrested and emphasized the importance of holding them accountable for their actions, particularly for the physical attack on the deputy who was simply performing her duties.
The incident highlights the increasing tensions and challenges faced by school officials and law enforcement officers who work in schools, often dealing with heightened emotions from both students and parents. The charges against Rivera and Iturrino reflect the severity of their actions and the legal consequences of assaulting law enforcement officers.
