A Florida man was arrested after people reported him to the police when they allegedly saw him dropping a child head-first from a second-story balcony to scare him.
According to its website, the Sandalwood Beach Resort offers guests a “tropical paradise of flowers, palm trees, pelicans, parrots, dolphins, and spectacular sunsets” on North Redington Beach. Last weekend, the property was visited by the authorities after a youngster was reportedly physically injured by an adult.
On July 6, a mother and her 4-year-old son were hanging out at the pool. The woman began socializing with a 31-year-old man, and they reportedly had drinks together while they relaxed. After a while, they headed to the second floor where both of their rooms were located, and the woman left her son with the man while she took a shower.
Moments later, guests heard screaming, and when they looked for the source, they saw a man holding a youngster upside down by the legs and dangling him over the edge of the second-story balcony. It was reported that they watched as the boy fell to the concrete on his head.
The authorities, as well as the child’s mother, were notified about the situation. Paramedics rushed to the location so they could quickly transport the child, who had significant head injuries to Halifax Health Medical Center for treatment.
When the suspect talked to the police, he reportedly said he took the youngster outside to play and held him over the balcony to “scare him a little bit.”
The man was taken into custody and booked into the Volusia County Jail. He is facing a preliminary charge of one count of aggravated child abuse. According to jail records, he is currently being held without bond.
The authorities gave an update on the boy’s condition and said he is no longer in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.