Man Accused of Slapping Crying Toddler at Wal-Mart
September 02, 2009 6:14 PM
Associated Press
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, Ga. 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.
