Local elementary teacher accused of assaulting officer outside bar

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A Cambridge elementary school teacher is on paid leave after police say she violently attacked an officer outside a local restaurant.

Susan McGlennon was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer and disorderly conduct after the incident Friday night at the Abbey bar and restaurant on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge.

McGlennon, who's worked in Cambridge Public Schools for 18 years, was visibly intoxicated, according to police, when she was asked to leave the Abbey by bar staff.

"She was being very loud and volatile," said Kelly Colbourn, who knows McGlennon and was inside the bathroom at the Abbey when she claimed McGlennon began pounding on the door.

"When I opened the door, she used a profanity and was then asked to leave the bar," Colbourn told FOX25.

Police said when an officer responded to the restaurant, McGlennon went on a "profanity-laced tirade" and was acting in a belligerent manner, according to prosecutors in court.

According to police, when the officer attempted to stop McGlennon from walking home alone, McGlennon then punched the officer in the chest.

"She was then taken away in ambulance, strapped down," Colbourn said.

Monday afternoon, McGlennon faced a judge with her attorney, who told FOX25 the allegations did not tell the entire story.

"I'm certainly not rushing to judgment on anything, she's also entitled to have a defense," attorney Lucas Talarico said.

According to officials from Cambridge Public Schools, McGlennon teaches second grade at the Graham and Parks Alternative School, but has since been placed on paid leave.

After court, McGlennon declined to comment on camera, but did tell a FOX25 reporter that "everyone gets into predicaments."

Cox Media Group