A Tampa, Florida man is accused of pinning the six-year-old girl to the ground Saturday when she cried out for help.
Video footage shows the child begging someone to help her, just as suspect 43-year-old Marius Mutu held her down in an apartment complex, NBC News It has been reported on tuesday.
In a social media post Monday, the Hillsboro County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) I said Deputies responded to Allison Park Place after learning that the man was allegedly attacking the child.
When law enforcement contacted the suspect, he claimed that someone had thrown eggs into his apartment last week, which happened again on Saturday.
The suspect assumed that a child walking nearby was responsible and chased her.
“Mutt claimed he was trying to take a picture of the child to report the incident to apartment management. He was detained at the scene,” the HCSO said.
The agency shared video footage taken by a neighbor, showing an argument between the man and the child.
“I did nothing, I swear to God!” she cried, adding, “Help! Help! Help!”
The woman behind the camera then screams at the suspect and screams to get off the child. However, he does not appear to move until the man comes towards them.
“Hey! Hey! Take your hand from her!” The man screams before entering the camera view:
Following his arrest, Mutu, who is reportedly working in the city’s parking department, was released on suspicion of battery and false imprisonment. He was suspended from his work due to an investigation.
HCSO too Share Suspect Mugshot:
In a statement following the incident, Sheriff Chad Cronister said such behavior was unacceptable and “condemnable.”
“The safety of our children is unnegotiable. This child has endured a horrific and traumatic experience at the hands of those who chose to put the matter into their own hands. We are committed to protecting the children and ensuring that those who harm them are fully responsible,” he added.
One neighbor I saw it The clip and story about the incident said, “As a mom, it makes me sick in my stomach. It’s ridiculous to do anything to someone as vulnerable as a grown man.”
