Custody battle erupts at Parkway

Clarkston School District Superintendent Pete Lewis talks about Wednesday's incident.

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Story Published: Aug 28, 2008 at 7:05 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 12:23 AM PST

By Matt Loveless

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CLARKSTON - Two Clarkston parents were arrested Wednesday, after a custody fight over their child spilled over into the classroom.

The two were taken into custody at around 12:30 p.m. Clarkston police said a separated couple encountered each other at the beginning of the afternoon kindergarten session at Parkway Elementary School.

Police said it was a verbal argument, but according to witness reports, at one point, they were physically pulling the child in both directions. Those witnesses said the classroom was cleared as a school resource officer responded and made the arrests. The two were cited for Disorderly Conduct and Disturbing School Activities, then released from police custody.

Clarkston School District officials said incidents like the one Wednesday don't happen very often, but the effects can be devastating on a child's mind.

"I think any time you see something like this occur it is upsetting," said Superintendent of Clarkston Schools Pete Lewis. "When people have a conflict, it can be disconcerting. The important thing is that everyone ended up safe."

Lewis said while yesterday's incident was unique, they often have to deal with custody issues.

"Sometimes the school district does get into the middle of a custody dispute," said Lewis. "It does happen, and so often we're referring to parenting plans and trying to sort through who goes with who when."

However, it's something a 5 or 6 year-old can't prepare for. Lewis said they have counselors and a crisis team on call for such situations, and are using them right now. Step one for parents at times like these: let your child vent.

"There are going to be signs or symptoms of conflict that you're going to see in your life," said Lewis. "How you feel about that, and how you can react to that. You want to make sure that they know that they're safe, and they're okay. If they have those feelings it's normal, and that it's okay."

For more help, parents and students can call the Crisis Line at 1-888-475-5665 or Quality Behavioral Health at (509) 769-2050.

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