The Syracuse City School District and law enforcement say the mother of a Lincoln Middle School student who allegedly assaulted a teacher last week was able to blend in with other students. The active investigation shows the mother, who is four foot ten, got through a security checkpoint before the start of classes last week. Superintendent Anthony Davis says the district has spent the past year focused on encouraging students to steer away from violence.
“And trying to make sure that we stay concentrating on education here in the district. For this to come to the door and happen, just feels like we’re taking steps backwards. So, we will do everything that we can to deliver the right message to say we’re going to hold that individual accountable for their actions and their choices and that this is not how we handle business.”
The Superintendent and local authorities say the suspect charged in the case is Lynzina Sutton. Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick says security guard may have become distracted by the student’s grandmother, while the child and mother surreptitiously entered the school building according to the evidence we have available.
“The distressing thing to me is that this is apparently was something that was considered, plotted and planned out the entire evening and early in the morning. It’s not a spur of the moment thing where I see a teacher mishandling my child and I rush to the defense and strike the teacher. This is something she went into that building, according to the evidence that have available, to assault this teacher.”
Fitzpatrick says the teacher suffered two broken bones to her nose and a concussion. He says it appears the parent was upset about a reported absence of her child earlier in the week. Sutton is charged with second degree assault and burglary. If the parent is convicted, the DA says his office will be recommending a state prison sentence. Meanwhile, Superintendent Davis invites any concerned parents from Lincoln Middle to contact his office.