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Assault

Mother sues M-DCPS after daughter gets assaulted in school cafeteria; suspect faces felony charge

A mother is suing Miami-Dade County Public Schools after her 11-year-old daughter was attacked by a fellow student in a middle school cafeteria.

By URC · NEWS NewsroomMiami Beach, FLOctober 29, 2026 at 9:49 PM UTCUpdated November 1, 2026 at 4:23 AM UTC
Mother sues M-DCPS after daughter gets assaulted in school cafeteria; suspect faces felony charge
Photo: WSVN Miami

Full report

Case Summary

Case Type
Assault
Incident Date
Sept. 24
Location
Nautilus Middle School cafeteria, Miami Beach, FL
Investigating Agency
WSVN Miami
Victim Count
1
Charges
felony charge
Case Status
active

A mother has initiated legal action against Miami-Dade County Public Schools following an incident where her 11-year-old daughter was attacked by another student inside a school cafeteria, according to reports from WSVN Miami.

The legal action focuses on Nautilus Middle School located in Miami Beach, Florida, where the victim was eating lunch when the assault occurred.

Incident Overview

According to reports from WSVN Miami, the incident took place on Sept. 24 inside the cafeteria at Nautilus Middle School. An 11-year-old female student was eating lunch when she was attacked by a fellow student. The victim's mother stated that the assailant viciously punched and kicked her daughter and yanked out a clump of her hair.

The victim's mother expressed relief following the violent encounter, telling 7News in an interview, I am just grateful that she is alive. The physical toll of the cafeteria attack was documented in photographs provided by the victim's mother, which reveal visible injuries including a bare spot on the young girl's head where hair was pulled out during the altercation.

Suspect Information

The suspect in this case is a fellow student at Nautilus Middle School. The suspect is facing a felony charge in connection with the attack. Authorities and news reports have not released the name or age of the juvenile suspect due to privacy laws regarding minors.

Victim Information

The victim is an 11-year-old female student enrolled at Nautilus Middle School. According to the reporting by WSVN Miami, she was eating lunch in the school cafeteria on Sept. 24 when she was punched, kicked, and had her hair pulled out by another student. Her identity has been withheld due to her status as a minor and the nature of the incident.

Police Response

Specific details regarding the initial police response, dispatched units, and immediate on-scene actions by law enforcement officers were not detailed in the available reports provided by WSVN Miami.

Investigation

The investigation into the school cafeteria attack involves scrutiny over the security and supervision measures in place at Nautilus Middle School. The victim's family has pursued legal action against Miami-Dade County Public Schools, alleging that the district failed to do enough to prevent the assault from taking place.

Evidence Collected

  • Photographs provided by the victim's mother showing physical injuries
  • Photographic documentation of a spot on the victim's head where hair was yanked out

Arrest Details

Specific details regarding an arrest or the formal apprehension of the juvenile suspect have not been released by authorities, though the suspect faces a felony charge.

Charges Filed

  • Felony charge: A serious criminal offense handled through the juvenile justice system, reflecting the severity of the alleged physical violence and injuries sustained by the victim during the school cafeteria attack.

Court Information

Specific court names, docket numbers, and dates for upcoming hearings have not been publicly disclosed in connection with this case, as juvenile proceedings are often confidential.

Statements from Authorities

The victim's mother provided a direct statement to 7News regarding the severity of the incident and the condition of her daughter, stating, I am just grateful that she is alive. Representatives for Miami-Dade County Public Schools have not issued a detailed public statement in the provided reporting.

Public Safety Information

Educational institutions are expected to maintain safe environments for all students. Anyone with concerns regarding school safety or bullying can contact local district officials. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or needs emergency assistance, please dial 911. For additional support resources, individuals can contact the National Parent Helpline at 1-855-442-3113.

What Happens Next

As the legal and judicial processes move forward, the case will proceed through the appropriate court system, which for a juvenile suspect typically involves intake assessments, detention hearings if applicable, and adjudicatory hearings overseen by a judge.