MESA, Ariz. — For nearly a week, a Mesa family has questioned how their daughter and sister turned from a victim to a suspect.
“I have not heard or spoken to by daughter since she’s been locked up,” said Tara Adams.
Since Friday, her 17-year-old daughter Tyra has been in custody at the Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Una estudiante de High School en Mesa dice que fue acosada durante semanas y ahora ella es la que está en la cárcel
Adams said the last time she saw Tyra, she was handcuffed to a hospital bed at Banner University Medical Center after suffering head injuries, cuts and bruises after being tackled by a Mesa police officer Friday afternoon at Westwood High School.
"I can't believe this has happened," says Adams.
Friday afternoon, Adams says Tyra was arrested after an incident at school.
She says Tyra said she was being harassed, threatened, and bullied at school by a group of boys over the last few weeks. Adams says her daughter notified teachers and administrators of what was happening.
Friday, Adams said, proved to be a boiling point for Tyra.
"She said 'I was being touched and groped, and I was asking the security guard to make him stop touching me and to help me and he just ignored me,'" says Adams.
Video obtained by 12News appears to show Tyra being touched by a boy who walks up next to her.
“She told me the guy was trying to grab her for a third time when she was talking to the security guard,” Adams said.
The video also appears to show a security guard witnessing the incident, but no action is taken.
A second video obtained by 12News shows Tyra standing outside with other kids when a man walks up behind her and appears to try and take something out of her hand.
Tyra then turns around and begins to push him away, which is when a Mesa police officer quickly grabs her and tackles her to the ground.
“It makes me upset. It makes me mad. She’s only 4’11”. She’s tiny, she’s little,” said Tyra's sister Tailor White.
She said the video of her sister is tough to watch.
“The dude that’s touching her, they didn’t tackle him to the ground. She got tackled to the ground," White said.
The family said for nearly a week, they had no contact with Mesa Public Schools, or Mesa police on the investigation. The family reached out to 12News to get answers on what happened.
“We put out an SOS for videos just to see if someone recorded what happened,” said White. "The fact the school didn't say anything until we called you guys and then it was like 'oh.. now we want to do something.'"
12News reached out to Mesa Public Schools who provided this statement that went out to Westwood parents on Friday about the incident:
Dear Westwood High School families,
I am writing to provide you with important information regarding an incident that occurred on our campus earlier today during the lunch period.
A female student experienced a medical episode that led to her threatening to harm students and staff members. Our campus security acted swiftly and effectively to intercept the student, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved. I want to emphasize that there were no injuries sustained as a result of this incident.
We immediately contacted the Mesa Police Department, who are currently conducting a thorough investigation. Additionally, the student is currently receiving medical care and support.
Safety is a top priority at Westwood. Please take this opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions your child may have regarding today's events. Our counseling staff and support services are available to provide guidance and assistance as needed. Rest assured, we are dedicated to maintaining a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students at Westwood High School.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Tyra’s family doesn’t believe there was anything medical about her reaction.
“She was being sexually assaulted and went and told 3 people what was happening, and they did nothing,” says Adams.
Mesa police tell 12News they are investigating the incident. The department has also invited 12News to review the body camera video of the incident.
Tyra faces felony charges of aggravated assault on a teacher and resisting arrest, along with a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.
Tyra’s family continues seeking answers and waiting for her to come home. It could be another week before that happens.
Until then, they say they’ll continue to fight for the girl who they say loves the color pink, and someone they describe as quirky and smart.
“I just want justice for my sister. They need to know that nothing about this was OK,” said White.
12News has learned the family is looking to file a police report.
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