Parent Betty Anne Richardson Pepper-Sprayed By School Officer

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. -- A parent had to be pepper-sprayed by a school resource officer after authorities said she refused to sign in at her child's school.

Deputies told Channel 2’s GA Daily News that Betty Anne Richardson, 44, threw a punch at a Sequoyah Middle School resource officer who tried to stop her from entering the school.

Deputies said when they tried to remove Richardson from the school, she started a confrontation.

Richardson was then arrested by Clayton County sheriff's deputies.

”I seen a lady in the back of the police car, said parent Angela Hall, who witnessed the aftermath of Richardson’s arrest.

Richardson now faces simple battery, disruption of a public school and obstruction charges.

”Apparently she swung on our officer. The officer defended themselves and used proper use of force, said Shawn Southerland with the Clayton County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies also said Richardson drove against the flow of traffic as parents dropped off their children.

”Well, anytime you got somebody unauthorized inside a school, we consider that a big deal, said Southerland.

One parent who leaed about the confrontation said signing in is for the children’s protection.

”When I pick my grandchildren up at school, if their mom's not here to do it, I have to show them my ID and sign a book, said Vickie Craig.