Mistrial declared for Long Island mom accused of assaulting teacher

HEMPSTEAD, New York (WABC) -- A judge has declared a mistrial in the case of a mother on Long Island who was charged with assaulting her child's middle school teacher.

35-year-old Annika McKenzie was acquitted of criminal trespassing charges by a jury on Monday afternoon, but when it came to the more serious charges of assault and harassment, jurors were deadlocked.

"We thank the jury for their hard work and time. This defendant is facing serious charges and prosecutors are committed to retrying the case," said Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas.

The incident happened last year at Schultz Middle School in Hempstead when McKenzie allegedly punched and choked teacher Catherine Engelhardt.

Engelhardt says she suffered a concussion when she was attacked.

McKenzie faced up to seven years in prison.