The Philadelphia District Attorneys office announced charges Thursday against a police officer who they claim set up a fight club type of environment between her own children and other neighborhood teens.
Tamika Gross, 35, was arrested for a “number of fights involving her teenage children,” according to a press release. Gross is facing charges of endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person – 11 counts total.
The first incident according to the district attorney’s office says on January 25, 2012, Gross allegedly had her 18-year-old son fight a 16-year-old boy. During this incident, it wasn’t long before other fights broke out among other young men and police were called. A major red flag during this fight was due to a radio call about a “riot” and an officer needing assistance. Low and behold, that officer was Gross herself.
Although that incident was noted, nothing happened. It wasn’t until three months later when authorities figured out Gross may have been present for yet another fight. This battle involved her daughter. According to the press release, on March 16, two sisters ages 13 and 17 were minding their own business walking down the street when Gross pulled up in her car – and her daughter jumped out.
“Her daughter then began punching both girls in the face, while Gross encouraged her daughter to fight. According to the victims, Gross kept screaming during the fight that she was an off duty police officer and that no one would get arrested,” the statement went on to say.
Then later in 2013, prosecutors allege Gross and her daughter approached a 14-year-old girl near a local high school. Once again, it is believed Gross was behind setting up the fight and encouraging the girls to go at it.
The difference with this fight and the other two incidents is Gross was actually captured on cellphone video and she wasn’t just a spectator. The victim alleges Gross punched the child in the eye two times.
That battle stemmed over a verbal dispute at school.
Philly.com spoke with the 14-year-old’s mother, Tashiana Haggins-Montgomery who said she’s been very active in the case, even calling the D.A.’s office ever week since last October. “I honestly thought it was going to be slipped under the rug. She’s been getting away with it so long it was almost like it was the norm for her,” Haggins-Mongtomery told the publication.
Prosecutors say Gross turned herself in Wednesday morning. The investigation will continue. Philly.com said Gross is suspended with “intent to dismiss.”