Woman charged after attacking school staff member over spilled cocaine: police

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Police arrested Shakeda Barfield, 33, after she allegedly attacked a staff member at Welsh Elementary School on Wednesday over spilled cocaine.

Police said officers were called to Welsh Elementary, at 2100 Huffman Blvd, after the school was placed on lockdown Wednesday due to a “disruptive visitor” who was battering a staff member, around 9:35 a.m.

In the course of the investigation, police learned that during a meeting with Barfield, the staff member saw baggies of cocaine fall from her possession and picked them up.

According to court records, when she became aware that staff intended to call police, Barfield attacked, punched, scratched, and bit the victim.

During the altercation, Barfield allegedly tried to strangle the victim with his own tie.

Police said the staff member suffered multiple injuries and was bleeding when officers arrived. An ambulance was called to the scene, dispatch records show, but authorities said the injuries were considered non-life threatening.

Barfield was charged with Aggravated Battery/Strangulation, Aggravated Battery to a School Employee, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, and Disorderly Conduct.

She was transported to the Winnebago County Jail.

Classes continued after the lockdown was lifted.

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