43-year-old man accused of attacking 11-year-old girl he thought was throwing eggs at his apartment
(Gray News) - A 43-year-old Florida man is accused of attacking an 11-year-old girl he thought was egging his apartment, according to police.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a Tampa apartment complex after receiving reports that a man was assaulting a child around noon on Saturday.
Marius Mutu told deputies that someone had been throwing eggs at his apartment for the last week and when it happened again that day, he assumed an 11-year-old girl who was walking nearby was responsible, so he chased her, forced her to the ground and restrained her.
A video taken by a witness shows the girl screaming for help and insisting that she had not done anything wrong.
Mutu said he was trying to take a photo of the girl to report the incident to apartment management.
“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 able.”
Mutu was arrested and taken into custody. He is charged with battery and false imprisonment.
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