9-Year-Old Reports Babysitter Hit Her in the Face

JONESBORO, Ark. — A police report detailing a possible felony battery case against a young child was filed this week in Jonesboro.

The incident in question allegedly occurred on June 27. The father of the child, who made the report, lives in West Plains, Missouri. He initially reported the incident to the Howell County Sheriff’s Office on June 28 before following up on July 30, when the sheriff’s office suggested he contact JPD, since the alleged incident happened in Jonesboro.

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The report says the nine-year-old told police on June 27, her mother was at work and three other children were at home being watched by a babysitter, a 15-year-old female. As they were about to eat, the sitter had them say a prayer first. The victim said she got up from the table and returned, but was told by the babysitter to say her prayer. The victim told her she already said it and it made the babysitter angry, according to the report.

The young girl told police the suspect forced her to lay on her stomach on the floor and then the suspect sat on her. The victim began to cry. The suspect then slapped her across the face one time. She then dragged the victim into the bathroom and forced her into the bathtub, the report said. The young girl said three of her siblings witnessed the incident.

A photograph taken on June 28 showed a visible handprint on the victim, according to police.

Police noted that due to the age of the child victim, the charge would be a felony. The case was referred to the Department of Child and Family Services. The case was reviewed and sent to the Craighead County Juvenile Office for possible prosecution, the report said.

AR Code § 5-13-202, battery in the second degree, is a felony charge. The statute includes attacks on law enforcement officers, teachers or school employees, medical personnel, and individuals older than 60 or younger than 12.