The first day of school at Arcola Lake Elementary in Miami turned chaotic after a 39-year-old Florida mother was arrested for allegedly threatening to “shoot another parent in the face” during a heated confrontation in the school’s drop-off line.
Erika Letisha Cruz now faces three felony charges following the incident, which unfolded Thursday morning while parents were dropping their children off for class.
What Happened at the School
According to court documents and reports from NBC 6 (WTVJ) and WSVN, the confrontation started when another mother was walking her disabled son into the school. As she crossed in front of Cruz’s car, Cruz allegedly became impatient and told her to “hurry the f— up,” while bumping her with her vehicle.
Cruz then allegedly got out of her car, walked up to the woman, and warned:
“Say one more word and I am going to shoot you in the face.”
The confrontation shocked witnesses and was immediately reported to school police.
Gun Found in Cruz’s Purse
When Miami-Dade Schools Police arrived and arrested Cruz, they searched her belongings and discovered a loaded Sig Sauer P238 handgun with four rounds in her purse — a serious violation of Florida law prohibiting firearms on school property.
Charges and Court Appearance
Cruz is now charged with:
Possessing a firearm on school property
Aggravated assault with a firearm
Aggravated battery
She appeared in court on Friday before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer, where bond was set for two of the three charges. However, Cruz remains in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center until a bond amount is set for the third charge. Once that happens, she will be eligible for pretrial release.
Judge Glazer’s Warning
During the hearing, Judge Glazer expressed concern about the seriousness of the incident — especially in front of children on the first day of school.
“What a terrible way for your child to begin the first day of school with Mom getting hauled off to jail,” she told Cruz.
“You have to be an adult and set a good example… You need to relax. It’s very upsetting.”
A stay-away order was issued, barring Cruz from having any contact with the other mother involved.
No Injuries Reported, Investigation Ongoing
While the bump from the vehicle was later described by a school police officer as likely unintentional, the verbal threat and presence of a loaded firearm escalated the case. No physical injuries were reported.
Community Concerns Over School Safety
The incident has raised concerns among parents and educators over safety during school drop-off and pick-up times. With tensions often high during busy school traffic periods, local officials are urging all parents to remain calm, patient, and focused on setting a positive example for students.
What should have been a routine school morning turned into a felony-level confrontation involving threats, a loaded gun, and an arrest in front of children. As Erika Letisha Cruz remains in custody awaiting full bond approval, the case serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly tempers can turn serious — and how critical it is to keep schools safe and free from violence.
