Teen suffers third-degree burns after security pins her to hot metal plate at California high school
A 14-year-old student at Bakersfield High was tackled onto a sun-heated metal plate by campus security, resulting in severe third-degree burns.
Bakersfield High School student Bridgette Chocoteco, 14, was involved in a physical altercation with a classmate on Aug. 25. A teacher attempted to restrain her, prompting the teen to push the teacher away. Campus security then intervened, tackling her onto a metal plate marked “electric high voltage” that had been exposed to intense sun in Kern County.
She lay on the hot surface for roughly two minutes, causing third-degree burns on her abdomen and thigh. Her mother, Kristian Chocoteco, discovered the extent of the injuries at the hospital and described the experience as shocking. Bridgette is currently undergoing burn care at a Fresno medical facility, with her mother at her bedside.
Why it matters
The case raises concerns about the use of force and safety protocols by school security personnel.
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