STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. — Police say a 61-year-old man annoyed with a crying 2-year-old girl at a Wal-Mart slapped the toddler in the face several times.
Roger Stephens of Stone Mountain has been charged with felony cruelty to children and is being held without bond.
Authorities say the girl and her mother were shopping Monday when the toddler began crying. The police report says Stephens, a stranger, approached the mother and said, "If you don't shut that baby up, I will shut her up for you."
Authorities say Stephens then grabbed the 2-year-old and slapped her at least four times.
The child began screaming and Stephens was arrested. Police say an examination showed the girl's face was slightly red.
Stephens was not represented by an attorney at his court hearing. A call to his home was unanswered Wednesday.
up until now I have not understood the need to carry a concealed handgun in public places. I just never thought that was necessary. But now I get it.
Humphrey,
It is funny that you said that, I read the article and was going to make nearly the same observation. If some stranger walked up and started assaulting one of my kids, they would be staring down the barrel of a pistol mighty quick.
Agree, a stranger assulting a two year old for crying in a store, ground to take action.
You people are crazy. Use that in your trial.
Parenting isn’t easy; sometimes children can be a real challenge. It can be particularly difficult when parents and children are struggling in public and others are staring. A crying baby, a cranky toddler, a bad day at work, or too much to do and too little time…all of these things can affect how a parent responds to his or her child, and how we, the general public, respond to them. We’ve all had bad days. That is why it is so important that we step in helpfully when we see a parent or child struggling. Not in judgment, anger or criticism (as we see with Mr. Stephens of Stone Mountain). But rather, with a kind word, a helping hand, a sympathetic smile or a simple distraction. This may be all that it takes to make a parent’s day, or keep a child safe and happy. To learn more about stepping in when parents and children are having a difficult time, visit www.onekindword.org.>
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