LAKE WALES, FL (February 13, 2026) – A woman was arrested early Friday morning after allegedly battering a school guardian, a law enforcement officer, and a school administrator at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary School, according to police reports from the Lake Wales Police Department.
Officers responded to the school on February 13 in reference to a reported battery involving a school board employee.
According to police reports, Chanteel Chardonnay Cuyler attempted to enter the school’s front office without presenting identification. She was stopped by the school’s uniformed School Guardian, Todd Borders.
Police say Cuyler became upset and, even after someone retrieved her identification, allegedly refused to show it to Borders. He then refused her entry onto campus.
According to the report, Cuyler allegedly tried to force her way past Borders. Police say Borders used his body to prevent her from entering. Cuyler then allegedly shoved Borders and jumped into his face in an aggressive manner, causing him to push her back. Cuyler reportedly fell to the ground.
Investigators say she then attempted a second time to force her way past Borders despite being ordered off campus. According to police, she was stopped again and allegedly threw punches and kicks, striking Borders.
An off-duty Lake Wales Police Officer, Landon McCosco, was reportedly on campus at the time and witnessed the incident. According to police reports, McCosco assisted in attempting to restrain Cuyler. Officers say McCosco identified himself multiple times as a law enforcement officer, but Cuyler allegedly stated she did not care who he was and struck him.
During the altercation, police say Cuyler also allegedly kicked the school’s principal, Kim Griffiths.
According to the Lake Wales Police Department, video evidence shows Borders was performing his duties in preventing Cuyler from entering the school office when she allegedly attempted to barge past him, committing trespass on school grounds.
Police say Cuyler had to be physically restrained after allegedly attacking Borders a second time and striking multiple individuals.
Chanteel Chardonnay Cuyler was charged with:
Multiple counts of Felony Battery on a School Board Employee Felony Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer Trespass on School Grounds
The investigation remains ongoing.
