A man was arrested for attacking an 11-year-old child, believing she had been throwing eggs at his apartment for the past week, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.
Just after noon on Saturday, deputies responded to Allison Park Place after receiving reports of the assault.
M M, 43, was caught on video pinning the young girl down, as she screams out, begging for someone to help her. Deputies said M chased the girl and forced her to the ground.
The blood-curdling scream from the child alerted a resident in the Tampa apartment, who could be heard telling another individual to call 911.
“Please, I wasn’t doing anything,” the child screamed out as the man restrained her to the ground. “I swear on my life. Help me.”
M responds to her, but it is unclear what he said. The girl cries out again that she wasn’t doing anything, as M tries grabbing her arms and pinning them down.
Neighbors reacted to the video, saying it’s hard to watch and hear.
“As a mom, it makes me sick to my stomach,” said H N, a resident. “For a grown man to do something to a vulnerable person is ridiculous.”
M spoke with officials, saying someone had been throwing eggs at his apartment for the past week. When it happened again that day, M assumed the child walking by was responsible.
According to the sheriff’s office, the man said he was trying to take a photo of the child to report the incident to the apartment’s management.
“The long-term trauma, and the parents and anybody else who witnessed it, like there’s kids all up and down these streets every night,” N said. “I just think of like what if it was my kid or our kid, like it could be anybody.”
Before the video concludes, another man intervenes, demanding M to get off the child.
“This type of behavior is not only unacceptable, it’s reprehensible. The safety of our children is non-negotiable,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “This child endured a terrifying and traumatic experience at the hands of someone who chose to take matters into his own hands. We remain committed to protecting our children and ensuring those who harm them are held fully accountable.”
M was arrested Saturday on charges of battery and false imprisonment.
WFLA.com has reached out to HCSO for additional information.
Personal injuries can disrupt your life, causing physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain. Ovadia Law Group understands the challenges you face and is dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process. Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Don’t face this difficult time alone. Call us at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.
Source: wfla
