KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A woman from Fort Myers has been arrested after deputies say she forcibly held a 6-year-old boy underwater during a confrontation at a resort pool in Osceola County on Friday afternoon.
Incident at Gaylord Palms Resort
According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Gaylord Palms Resort pool area around 4:30 p.m. for reports of a battery involving a child.
Witnesses told investigators that several children had been playing in the pool when their splashing became aggressive. At that point, the suspect, Tiffany Griffith, 36, allegedly became upset after another child dunked her son underwater.
Deputies said Griffith entered the pool, yelled at the other child, and then grabbed the 6-year-old boy by the shoulders, forcing him underwater for several seconds.
Victim’s Injuries and Arrest
The child reportedly exited the pool visibly upset and bleeding from his nose. He told his parents what had happened, and witnesses corroborated his account of the incident.
Following the altercation, Griffith allegedly began shouting at the boy’s mother before leaving the pool area. Deputies later located and arrested her. Griffith was booked into the Osceola County Jail and is being held without bond on one count of aggravated child abuse.
Ongoing Investigation
The Gaylord Palms Resort was contacted for comment but has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional witness statements are being reviewed. Stay with HonkNews.com for continuing updates on this developing story.