Palm Coast, Florida — A Florida grandmother and her teenage granddaughter are facing criminal charges after authorities say they played key roles in a frightening confrontation that left five children trapped inside a public restroom at a local park.
Investigators allege the incident was the culmination of an escalating dispute that began with a fight between juveniles and continued through threatening phone calls, social media messages and an intimidating encounter involving a pit bull.
Dispute Began With Fight at Local Park
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the conflict started on May 24 at Ralph Carter Park in Palm Coast.
Authorities say a 13-year-old girl attempted to provoke one of the victims into a physical fight, leading to a brief altercation during which she allegedly pulled another child’s hair before being separated.
Later that evening, the teenager allegedly traveled with others to the victims’ neighborhood and continued trying to confront them.
Deputies responded to that incident and determined it was a “verbal dispute,” according to authorities.
However, investigators say the conflict did not end there.
Threats Allegedly Continued Overnight
The sheriff’s office alleges that throughout the night and into the early morning hours of May 25, the granddaughter repeatedly contacted several teens through phone calls and social media.
Authorities claim she “repeatedly demanded a fight and threatened to kill two of the victims.”
Investigators also allege that both the granddaughter and her grandmother, 64-year-old Allyson Pease-Frankel, warned the victims they would bring a pit bull to the park.
The threats reportedly left several of the children fearful before the next encounter unfolded.
Children Flee Into Restroom for Safety
On the afternoon of May 25, the five juveniles walked to Ralph Carter Park.
According to investigators, the granddaughter continued calling the victims and threatening them while allegedly saying she would bring the dog.
Authorities say a “group of adults and juveniles” then arrived at the park in three separate vehicles, including one carrying a pit bull.
As tensions escalated, the children reportedly ran into a public restroom and locked the door behind them.
According to the sheriff’s office:
“As the group advanced, the victims ran into a public restroom and locked the door.”
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Investigators say Pease-Frankel took possession of the dog and approached the restroom.
Restroom Door Allegedly Forced While Kids Were Inside
Authorities allege the grandmother moved directly toward the restroom and dropped the dog’s leash near the entrance.
Police say the children remained trapped inside while the confrontation continued outside.
According to investigators, Pease-Frankel allegedly “pushed on the restroom door with enough force to make it flex” while her granddaughter allegedly “kicked the door multiple times.”
The sheriff’s office later confirmed the pit bull never entered the restroom.
The five juveniles reportedly called for help and remained unable to leave for several minutes until the group finally left the area.
Theft Allegations Lead to Additional Charges
While the victims were hiding inside the restroom, authorities say the granddaughter allegedly stole personal property left behind when the children fled.
Investigators allege she took a cellphone, clothing and other belongings from a nearby picnic table.
Detectives later discovered the items discarded in a retention pond behind the restroom.
“Based on the investigation and the value of the cellphone, deputies arrested her for felony grand theft,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Pease-Frankel was later arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment, while the granddaughter was charged with two counts of written threats to kill and grand theft.
Sheriff Issues Warning to Parents
Following the arrests, Rick Staly urged parents and guardians to stay involved in their children’s activities.
“Summer break is in full swing, and children have plenty of time on their hands,” Staly said. “Let this be a reminder for parents and guardians to be the sheriff of your own home and know where your kids are at all times. Stay involved and talk to them about making good decisions and the consequences of their actions.”
Pease-Frankel later posted a $5,000 bond, while the granddaughter was transferred to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
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