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Woman arrested after fight at Westhaven Elementary graduation

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Police were called to Westhaven Elementary School on Thursday for a fight at a graduation ceremony.

Police say several people were standing up and yelling at each other in the gym when they arrived. When police asked one woman what was going on, another woman identified as Erica Moody grabbed her.

After school staff asked them to leave, Moody grabbed the other woman by the hair and hit her face several times, according to a police report.

Moody, 45, allegedly called the officers Satan as she was being handcuffed. She is charged with disorderly conduct, trespassing, domestic assault and resisting arrest.

Some people might say the real crime is the influence the adult behavior might one day make on the young graduates.

“This is the worst example you can set ever. These kids have actually accomplished something. They’re proud of what they’ve accomplished. And then they see their parents who they’re supposed to look up to, and they’re fighting,” Latoya Mayes said.

About 20 minutes later, police were called to the school’s office, where a student at the school allegedly walked in and attacked the school secretary when she was told to leave. The child struck the woman several times, police said.

She was restrained by a school resource officer, issued a juvenile summons, and released to her mother.

Peter Fleischer contributed to this report.