MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee Public Schools parent has been accused of assaulting a special education teacher at Bruce Elementary School in front of her students.

Previous coverage: https://www.tmj4.com/news/milwaukee-county/milwaukee-public-schools-parent-charged-with-assaulting-an-mps-teacher-in-front-of-her-students

Eddie Dewayne Caldwell, 53, faces charges of assault on a school district officer and disorderly conduct.

According to a criminal complaint, witnesses told officers that Caldwell assaulted a teacher in her classroom in front of her students at 8 a.m. on Oct. 29.

Shericka Nelson was looking forward to Tuesday’s class.

“I got there at eight o’clock and went to class because it was a really interesting day because that’s when the kids started going trick-or-treating in class,” Nelson said.

Mike Beiermeister

Immediately after arriving, everything changed for the special education teacher. She said Caldwell, the student’s mother, and the student were at the table she is sitting at.

Nelson said good morning to the family. That’s when she said Caldwell confronted her.

“He said, ‘My son told me you hit him and you also held him while another kid hit him.’ I said, “No, that’s not true. That’s not what happened. I said, ‘If you want to go out, then cut me off,'” Nelson said.

Watch: MPS teacher speaks out after being attacked by parent in front of students

MPS teacher speaks out after being attacked by parent in front of students

She told TMJ4 that a day earlier, she was trying to separate Caldwell’s child from another so they wouldn’t bump into each other.

The confrontation turned violent soon after.

“Then he pushed me into the window, jerked my head and hit me twice in the head,” Nelson said.

Shericka Nelson

The incident happened in front of 29 students and 5 adults. Another teacher ran to call for help.

“After that, I was shocked,” Nelson said. “I had a colleague who was there, you know, screaming like, ‘Stop, stop!’ You know, don’t touch her.”

Nelson said he did not fight back and left the classroom, walking to the office to let them know what happened. Meanwhile, Caldwell remained in the building.

“I didn’t feel safe. I didn’t feel protected or anything,” Nelson said.

The special education teacher said she had to contact the police for help. She went to the police station to let them know what had happened.

The attack left her with neck, back and head injuries, as well as emotional trauma.

“I just want to feel safe when I come to work. I want to be able to, you know, not have to worry about that ever,” Nelson said.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Caldwell, who is not in custody at this time.

“Not only do the children need to be protected and safe, so do the staff,” Nelson said.

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