PHOENIX — A woman who drove her pickup truck through a crowded Peoria park in a fit of rage — nearly injuring multiple children — has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced Saturday.
Brandie Gotch, 31, pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated assault stemming from the February 2024 incident, during which her actions turned a routine park visit into a terrifying scene for dozens of families.
According to investigators, Gotch arrived at the park to pick up her children, who had been involved in a fight with other kids. Tensions escalated when a child insulted her. Authorities say Gotch physically pulled the child by the hair and chased another with a stick after he also insulted her.
As the confrontation continued, Gotch got into her truck, revved the engine, and sped toward a boy who had been taunting her and his 12-year-old sister. The boy jumped out of the way, but the girl’s leg was run over. Gotch then drove her truck through the park itself, where more than a dozen other children were playing.
Though no fatalities occurred, injuries included a sprained ankle and multiple cuts and bruises.
“This could’ve been a much more tragic situation,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “Even when angry or frustrated, it’s up to adults to act like adults. It is never okay to take our rage out on a kid.”
Gotch was arrested at her home shortly after the incident and taken into custody without further incident.
