Fmr. Harrison Student Pleads Guilty To Serious Assault On Principal

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- An 18-year-old former Harrison Education Center student has pleaded guilty to an assault that left her principal with substantial bodily injuries last year, according to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.

Lashawnte Bright, who was 17 at the time of the incident, specifically pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and a gross misdemeanor assault on a school official in connection to the Dec. 7, 2016 incident.

The juvenile court judge described the assault as an "unprovoked attack on someone who should be respected" and designated the case for Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction. That means Bright will be on juvenile probation until she turns 21 and has a stayed adult sentence.

Authorities say Bright was in the cafeteria on the day of the incident when the principal asked her to leave because she was suspended and not allowed in school. After the principal picked up Bright's purse and walked toward the door, Bright grabbed her by the hair, pulled her to the ground and punched her in the face multiple times. The assault ended when other staff members pulled Bright off the principal. Bright then left the area.

The principle suffered a concussion and head trauma due to the assault.

Bright was also ordered to complete a residential treatment program. If she violates her probation, she faces up to 1 year and 1 day in adult prison.