The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
Authorities in Tennessee arrested a woman accused of abandoning her 2-year-old son inside a grocery store and then physically assaulting him in front of witnesses after being alerted to his whereabouts over the store’s intercom.
According to law enforcement, the incident occurred at a discount grocery store in Covington, where staff found a toddler alone at the customer service desk. The employees announced over the intercom that a small child had been found without a guardian. About ten minutes later, a woman came forward, reportedly scolding the boy and threatening to punish him before allegedly striking him multiple times in front of shoppers.
People who reported that they saw the incident said the woman pulled the child from the service counter, dragged him toward the checkout area, and hit him repeatedly on the back before leaving the store. Investigators reviewed the store’s video recordings. They reported that the footage reportedly showed the child standing alone near the counter before being approached by the suspect, who allegedly appeared angry and aggressive. Officers said the child did not seem to resist, but they thought he looked visibly distressed as the woman pulled him away. Officers contacted the state’s Department of Children’s Services to ensure the child’s safety.
Police stated that the woman later admitted to being the person captured in the video. The toddler was placed in the care of his father while child welfare officials continue their investigation.
The suspect was taken into custody later that same day and booked into the Tipton County Jail. She is facing preliminary charges of child abuse and child neglect. At the time this was written, she was being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond.
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.