An Arizona mother has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after driving her pickup truck through a park and running over a 12-year-old girl’s leg. Brandie Gotch, 31, pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated assault stemming from the February 2024 incident at Westgreen Park in Peoria.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Gotch went to the park to pick up her children after they had been involved in a fight with other kids who were allegedly ‘egging them on and recording the altercation.’ The situation escalated when a boy on the playground called Gotch a name, prompting her to chase him and another boy with a stick. She allegedly yelled, ‘I am going to kill you and run you over’ while chasing one of the children.
The incident occurred when Gotch backed her white Chevy Silverado out of a parking space, revved the engine, and drove toward two children standing behind the truck. While one boy managed to jump out of the way, Gotch ran over the other child’s leg. She then continued driving through the park where over a dozen children were present, forcing some to run out of her path.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated, ‘Even when angry or frustrated, it’s up to adults to act like adults. It is never okay to take our rage out on a kid.’ Mitchell also noted that while the situation could have been much more tragic, the worst injury was a sprained ankle and some scrapes and bruises.
Gotch was initially charged with multiple counts including endangerment, aggravated assault, and attempted first-degree murder. She was held on a $250,000 cash bond. Her actions were condemned by authorities, who emphasized the importance of adults maintaining control, especially around children.
The case highlights the need for responsible behavior in situations involving children and the severe consequences of failing to manage anger and frustration appropriately.
