Arizona Mom Sentenced 10 Years for Running Over Girl at Peoria Park

Brandie Gotch, a 31-year-old mother from Peoria, Arizona, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of aggravated assault for driving her pickup truck through a park full of children and running over a 12-year-old girl. The incident began when Gotch's children were involved in a fight with other kids at Westgreen Park, with some children reportedly egging them on and recording the altercation. After picking up her children, Gotch got into a confrontation with other kids, pulling one boy by his hair and chasing another with a stick while yelling threats. Gotch then got into her truck, revved the engine, and drove toward a boy and his sister, managing to run over the sister's leg before driving through the park where more than a dozen children had to flee. Authorities arrested Gotch at her home, and Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasized that while the injuries were not more severe, it was unacceptable for adults to take out their anger on children. Mitchell highlighted the serious nature of the case and the need for adults to act responsibly even when frustrated.