The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida woman was charged with child abuse after investigators said she struck her 6-year-old son while delivering groceries for a customer.
According to the authorities, the investigation began after a Ring doorbell video captured an incident outside an apartment building on May 31. Investigators said the footage showed the woman delivering groceries for Instacart while the child helped her.
The video reportedly showed the woman handing the boy a 24-pack of bottled water after he struggled to carry a basket of groceries. Investigators said the child immediately appeared unable to support the weight, told the woman he could not hold it, and dropped the case.
According to the authorities, the child then ran away before the woman allegedly chased after him and slapped him in the face. The video reportedly showed the boy crying and holding his face after being struck. Investigators also said the woman continued yelling at the child and forced him to carry another item.
During the investigation, deputies determined the child weighed about 49 pounds, while the case of bottled water weighed approximately 26 pounds.
After reviewing the video, investigators identified the woman and took her into custody. She was charged with child abuse without great bodily harm and booked into the county jail. Bond was set at $5,000, and she was ordered to have no contact with the child while released on bond.
According to an arrest affidavit, the woman told investigators that her son had been acting defiantly when they arrived to make the deliveries. She reportedly described the incident as an “over-stimulated moment” and apologized for her actions. Instacart later announced that the woman had been permanently banned from the platform.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a child abuse offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.