Former Punta Gorda officer arrested after allegedly dunking 6-year-old at Gaylord Palms pool in Kissimmee
A former Punta Gorda police officer, Tiffany Lee Griffith, 36, was arrested in Kissimmee on Dec. 19, 2025, accused of aggravated child abuse after allegedly holding a 6‑year‑old boy underwater at the Gaylord Palms Resort pool.
- Arrest: Osceola County deputies booked Griffith on Dec. 19; she was later released on a $20,000 bond and a no-contact order was issued.
- Allegation: Investigators say Griffith grabbed a 6‑year‑old by the shoulders and held him underwater for several seconds after a pool altercation.
- Evidence: Video and witness statements were reviewed; defense counsel briefly questioned causation of a nosebleed before withdrawing the challenge in court.
- Background: Griffith is a former Punta Gorda officer (2013–2018) and served as a school resource officer.
What happened
According to Osceola County investigators, three children were playing in the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center pool around 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 19, 2025. Play reportedly turned rough when the 6‑year‑old victim allegedly dunked Griffith’s son. Authorities say Griffith entered the water, yelled at the child, grabbed his shoulders and held him under for several seconds before releasing him. The boy exited the pool upset and with a nosebleed, then told his parents what occurred.
Arrest, charges and bond
Osceola County Sheriff’s deputies located and arrested Tiffany Lee Griffith, 36, of Fort Myers. She was booked into the Osceola County Jail and later released on a $20,000 bond. Authorities charged her with aggravated child abuse, a felony, and issued a no-contact order preventing contact with the victim and the family while the investigation and prosecution proceed.
Local reporting and booking records document the arrest and bond; for original reporting see Fox News and CBS12.
Investigators’ account and evidence
Investigators reviewed video and witness statements. They report Griffith grabbed the child by the shoulders and held him underwater for several seconds. The child’s parents reported a nosebleed and that their son was visibly upset after leaving the pool. Authorities cautioned that the full context is a matter for investigators and the court.
“The child left the pool upset and with a nosebleed,” local reporting cites parents and deputies.
Court footage from a hearing shows defense counsel briefly questioned whether the dunking caused the nosebleed but withdrew that challenge; Griffith was scheduled to appear Dec. 23, 2025. See the court video for footage of court proceedings.
Background on the accused
Public records indicate Griffith served with the Punta Gorda Police Department from 2013 to 2018, including work as a school resource officer where her duties covered bullying, sexting and online-safety talks; she was named Employee of the Quarter in 2016. Reporting notes Griffith identified her prior law enforcement service to deputies after her arrest. Requests for comment to the Punta Gorda Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and Gaylord Hotels were not returned by publication time (see Fox News).
Eyewitness accounts and video
Local outlets obtained partial video of the incident and coverage shows people at the pool and the immediate aftermath. Media coverage and authorities emphasized that the full context remains for investigators and the courts. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office handled the arrest and booking; additional footage may be subject to review and release by authorities (see CBS12 and Fox News).
Legal questions and use of force
The case raises legal issues about when an adult may intervene in a child-on-child altercation and what actions constitute criminal use of force. Prosecutors say holding a small child underwater can meet the threshold for aggravated child abuse. Defense strategy often focuses on causation and context; in this instance, counsel briefly questioned whether the dunking caused the nosebleed before withdrawing that point in court. Those factual and legal disputes will be central if the matter proceeds to trial.
Institutional responses
At the time of reporting, the Punta Gorda Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and Gaylord Hotels had not issued public statements regarding internal reviews or disciplinary steps beyond the criminal charge. Local reporting notes Griffith disclosed her former law enforcement role to responding deputies (see Fox News).
Implications for Fresno, California
Public safety and supervision: Fresno families traveling to resorts or using public pools may view the incident as a reminder to closely supervise children and prepare safe interventions. Recreational staff and lifeguards could refresh enforcement and conflict-response policies.
Trust and background checks: The accused’s prior school resource role may prompt Fresno parents to ask questions about background checks and training for officers and staff in child-facing positions.
Legal and policy considerations: Local attorneys, child-welfare advocates and school districts may monitor how courts treat parental intervention versus criminal liability and consider updating guidance.
Practical steps for parents: Parents are encouraged to supervise near water, teach conflict resolution and swim safety, document injuries, and know how to report incidents at private facilities.
Reporting and next steps
This account is drawn from local reporting and court footage. Key details and charges are cited from published reports; ongoing court filings, statements from law enforcement and any released camera footage may add context as the case develops. For the original reporting, see Fox News, CBS12 and court video.
