Girl, 5, Arrested on Felony Charge for Biting Teacher

PENSACOLA, Fla. —  A 5-year-old Florida girl was arrested on a felony charge after allegations that she bit and scratched a teacher, education officials said Friday.

A spokeswoman for the Escambia County School District said the girl went into a rage before throwing furniture and attacking kindergarten support teacher Linda Green, who tried to calm her.

The incident took place Feb. 3 but was not made public until a story Thursday in the Pensacola News Journal. The girl faces a charge of battery of an elected official or educator. She was released into the care of her parents, who told reporters the charges were ludicrous.

The spokeswoman said the parents refused to sign a form permitting counseling for their daughter, and the teacher sought the arrest as a way to compel counseling.