A Florida man has been arrested after allegedly attacking his 11-year-old niece, repeatedly slamming her head into a wall during a dispute among children, authorities say.
Aaron D. Culpepper, 32, is facing charges of child abuse without great bodily harm, according to the Miami Police Department.
The incident occurred on Thursday at a home near Northwest 67th Street and Northwest 13th Avenue in Miami, Florida.
How the Incident Happened
Police said the young victim flagged down officers while crying uncontrollably. Miami Fire Rescue was called to evaluate the girl.
During her interview, the child explained that the argument started over a minor dispute: her cousin had taken her shoe, and in retaliation, she took her cousin’s scooter.
The situation escalated when the cousin told Culpepper about the disagreement. Authorities say Culpepper allegedly responded with violence.
The Alleged Attack
According to the arrest affidavit, Culpepper grabbed the girl by the chest while holding her shirt, then seized her face and slammed her head against the wall multiple times.
Culpepper was read his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with investigators. Most of his statements were redacted, but he reportedly denied pushing his niece’s head into the wall.
The defendant’s mother also disputed the child’s account, claiming that “all he did was jack her up,” while providing a similar version of events up to that point.
An officer noted a visible bump on the back of the girl’s head. She was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Authorities said there may be surveillance footage of the incident, though access was not immediately available.
Culpepper was arrested on Thursday and held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. After an initial court appearance, his bond was set at $5,000.
