Posted on 09/19/2002 1:21:20 PM PDT by TomB
The Mishawaka Police Department recently received a surveillance video taken from Kohl's Department Store on Grape Road in Mishawaka. The video shows a young girl, approximately four-years-old, apparently being severely beaten. Police are asking for the public's help in tracking down the woman and young girl. They say they are very worried about the girl's safety and believe she needs to get medical attention immediately.
Police say the two women caught the attention of security personnel at Kohl's. Detective Chief Mike Samp of the Mishawaka Police Department reports, "They had some items that they took into Kohl's to try to receive monies for and for whatever reason they were refused. They exchanged and they were asked to leave the store." The cameras followed them to the car and caught the incident on tape.
The assault
The girl, who police believe is just four-years-old, got into the car. Her mother looked around and then for some unknown reason the assault began. According to officials, the little girl received at least five initial blows before the she was hit and shaken several more times. At one point during the assault the woman grabbed the child by her hair. Once in her car seat, she was punched in the face more than a dozen times. The assault lasts just over 25 seconds.
Immediate concern is for child's safety
"Oh my God!" That was the response of Dr. Arnold Del Pilar of the Ironwood Medical Center upon reviewing the surveillance tape. "Punching her?I mean, [this is] blunt head trauma. This child needs to be medically evaluated," he stated. Dr. Del Pilar consulted with police and police agree with his statement. That is why police are asking for the public's help. Deputy Prosecutor of St. Joseph County, Maggie Jones stated, "Our immediate concern, as Chief Samp has stated, is to locate the child and to get the child out of that environment. It made me sick to think that that child is still with that mother and, quite frankly, if that mother is willing to do that in a parking lot, what is she doing at home?"
Family is "less than helpful"
The video camera was able to get a picture of the Texas license plate on the white SUV. Police found the car and talked to family members, but they called the family less than helpful. Chief Samp reported, "We spoke with family members. They have indicated to us that the suspect and the victim have left the state." However, police believe the woman and her daughter may still be in the area and are searching for the little girl to make sure she is okay. Police describe the family as mobile and not cooperative. They are not releasing a name at the time because they do not know if the name they have been given is correct.
The mother's description is as follows:
* Blond hair
* 5' 6" or 7"
* 135 pounds
* 24 or 25 years old
Anyone with any information on their whereabouts is asked to call the Mishawaka Police Department at 258-1684 or you may also contact them via email at Police@Mishawakacity.com.
I'm working on it.
Tomakaze's a libertarian. Standing by while a woman beats the hell out of a child is one of their ten commandments.
This woman does.
Before I say anything that might be misunderstood, I think this woman should be found and charged. I am also a firm supporter of the second ammendment; however, if we did as you suggest, people being what they are, I could just see the shootouts in the Walmart parking lots. I don't think we want to go there. While I believe there is a time for citizens to take matters into their own hands, at least temporarily, I really don't think we need a bunch of vigilantes running around playing cop.
Most States respect the right to carry. The scenarios you pose and fear have not occurred, nor are they likely to.
Hmmm... This wasn't discipline - so what you are saying is that you support the right of adults to severely beat children to the point of needing medical care...
Well, here's hoping you are sterile...
Unbelievable.
We have a Kohl's near us and I've never noticed cameras there, but across the street at the grocery store there are security cameras in the parking lot.
The cameras don't bother me at all. It isn't a state or gov't camera, but installed by the store to ensure their customer's safety. If it makes me uncomfortable I can go elsewhere.
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