PANAMA CITY, Fla. — A Rutherford High School teacher was arrested after investigators determined she threw a pair of scissors at a student, striking the student in the back, according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
Juanita Forehand, 22, of Tallahassee, was arrested Oct. 16, 2026, on a battery charge following an investigation into the incident at the Panama City high school.
The Sheriff’s Office became aware of the allegations Oct. 14 and assigned investigators from its Criminal Investigations Division to the case.
According to investigators, Forehand threw the scissors in an attempt to get a student’s attention. The scissors struck the student in the back before falling to the floor.
Detectives interviewed the student and multiple witnesses. Several witnesses reported seeing the scissors fall behind the student after making contact, while one specifically confirmed seeing them strike the student’s back.
During the investigation, detectives also learned that Forehand had previously thrown objects at students or struck them with objects to get their attention, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators obtained an arrest warrant Oct. 16 charging Forehand with battery. She was taken into custody and transported to the Bay County Jail without incident.
Forehand has been employed by Bay District Schools since October 2025. She graduated from Florida State University in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Rutherford High School, home of the Rams, is part of Bay District Schools in Panama City. The school opened in 1961 as Bay County’s second high school and was named after H.J. Rutherford, a former school board member.
Authorities did not release information about whether the student suffered any injuries or required medical attention.