POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A middle school teacher from McLaughlin Middle School, 51-year-old Thomas Griffin, has been arrested on charges of burglary with assault, false imprisonment, and battery by strangulation following a violent altercation at a Lake Wales residence.
On December 14, 2024, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a battery in progress. Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, an adult male, in significant distress. Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) personnel determined that the victim required further medical attention, and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
READ: Clermont Woman Bites Polk County Deputy After Arrest For Traffic Infractions At Davenport School
According to witnesses, including the victim’s girlfriend, Griffin arrived uninvited at her residence, banging on the door and demanding to speak with the victim. After forcing his way inside, Griffin allegedly attacked the victim, striking him multiple times and pinning him against a wall.
The victim’s girlfriend, who had a prior romantic relationship with Griffin, confirmed that he did not have permission to enter the home. She tried to intervene but was unable to stop the assault. Her child was present during the attack but was unharmed.
Hospital staff treated the victim for injuries sustained during the attack, including a lost tooth, facial bleeding, and marks on his neck consistent with strangulation. The victim reported that Griffin grabbed him by the throat, cutting off his ability to breathe, and struck him multiple times with a closed fist.
READ: Winter Haven Woman Wins $1 Million Playing Florida Lottery Scratch-Off Game
On December 17, 2024, deputies located and arrested Griffin. He faces the following charges:
- Burglary with assault (First-degree felony)
- False imprisonment (Third-degree felony)
- Battery by strangulation (Third-degree felony)
Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his concern over the incident, saying, “The suspect forced his way into the home and violently attacked the victim. As a teacher—hopefully a former teacher—Griffin holds a position of trust in our community, a trust that has been severely broken. School students should not be exposed to this kind of potentially volatile behavior.”
READ: Loose Cargo Leads To Foot Chase, Trio Of Arrests Near Lake Hamilton In Polk County
Polk County Public Schools confirmed that Griffin has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. In a statement, the district said, “These allegations are troubling. Polk County Public Schools has placed this employee on leave while an internal investigation takes place.”
Griffin’s future as an educator remains uncertain as the investigation continues.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.