HINESVILLE, GA – An 11-year-old girl flagged down a passing police officer near a car wash on Elma G. Miles Parkway and told authorities she believed her father was trying to kill her, prompting an arrest that same day, according to local law enforcement.
The child approached the patrol vehicle on April 19 visibly distressed, officers reported, and said her father had beaten her. Police identified the suspect as Anthony Salazar, 35, who was later charged with one count of child cruelty in the first degree, one count of aggravated battery, and two counts of cruelty to children in the third degree, according to the Hinesville Police Department.
Officers then made contact with Salazar, who did not dispute the allegation. He told police he struck his daughter with a belt and said her injuries would be visible. Officers documented severe bruising and welts on both of the girl’s legs, according to an incident report obtained by Savannah-based CBS affiliate WTOC.
Evidence collected, statements detailed
Police said Salazar had been drinking earlier in the day. During a search of the residence, investigators collected a black leather belt and a T-ball bat as evidence.
At the time of the incident, the girl’s two younger brothers, ages 6 and 7, were also inside the home. According to the report, Salazar told officers he beat the girl as an example to the boys.
The child initially declined medical treatment and instead expressed concern for her brothers’ safety, police said. The children’s mother was present in the home during the incident, and authorities noted that child welfare services were not called to assess the situation.
Community response and release on bond
Hinesville Police Chief Tracey Howard emphasized the broader impact of such incidents when speaking to WTOC. “Be mindful of the lasting effects that it can have on a child and also what repeat behavior it can contribute to,” Howard said.
Salazar was booked into the Chatham County Jail and released two days later, according to the report. He is currently subject to a no-contact order while out on bond.
