A disturbing child abuse case in Florida has led to the arrest of a man accused of violently attacking his 11-year-old niece during a family dispute.
Authorities say the young girl approached police officers while crying uncontrollably and claimed her uncle repeatedly slammed her head against a wall after an argument between children escalated. The incident is now under investigation by Miami police.
Florida Man Arrested in Child Abuse Case
Police identified the accused as Aaron D. Culpepper, 32, of Miami, Florida.
According to the Miami Police Department, Culpepper has been charged with child abuse without great bodily harm.
The incident reportedly happened on Thursday at a residence near Northwest 67th Street and Northwest 13th Avenue in Miami.
Authorities said officers were flagged down by the victim herself shortly after the alleged attack.
Child Reportedly Crying and Injured
According to investigators, the 11-year-old girl was visibly upset and crying uncontrollably when officers spoke with her.
Miami Fire Rescue later arrived at the scene to medically evaluate the child.
Police said the girl explained that the argument began after her cousin took one of her shoes. In response, she allegedly took her cousin’s scooter.
What started as a disagreement between children reportedly became much more serious after the cousin informed Culpepper about the situation.
Girl Claims Uncle Slammed Her Head Into Wall
The child told investigators that her uncle became violent during the argument.
According to the arrest affidavit, Culpepper allegedly grabbed the girl by the chest area while holding onto her shirt.
The victim further claimed that he grabbed her face and repeatedly slammed her head into a wall.
Police later observed a visible bump on the back of the girl’s head during the investigation.
She was eventually taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital for further medical evaluation.
Defendant Denied Allegations
After being read his Miranda rights, Culpepper agreed to speak with investigators.
According to police documents, the defendant denied pushing the child’s head into the wall.
Authorities also spoke with Culpepper’s mother, who reportedly gave investigators a similar version of events but disputed how the confrontation ended.
She allegedly told officers that “all he did was jack her up.”
Police Looking Into Possible Surveillance Video
Investigators said there may be surveillance footage connected to the incident.
However, police stated that officers were unable to immediately access the footage during the initial investigation.
Authorities continue reviewing evidence as the case moves forward.
Bond Set at $5,000
Police arrested Culpepper on Thursday and transported him to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Court records show that following his first court appearance, a judge set his bond at $5,000.
The investigation remains ongoing.
