A cellphone video now circulating online shows a man grabbing and slamming a young girl, whom relatives identify as his stepdaughter, during what the family says was a visit to a Sanford home. The footage appears to show the man pinning the child against a car, then striking her again near a garage door as relatives move in to intervene. State investigators have opened a probe, and as of yesterday, no criminal charges had been filed.
Family confronts man on camera
Relatives, who told reporters they were visiting from Lakeland, say the man seen in the clips is the girl’s stepfather. An aunt confronted him on camera. As reported by WESH, the aunt, Leondra Chapman, can be heard saying, “I have to leave my job to make sure you’re not putting your hands on my nieces!” and told reporters she suffered a panic attack after watching the video. Family members said they shared the clip publicly to make sure the children were protected.
Police: Called after family had left
The Sanford Police Department says it was not notified until about two hours after the incident, and that officers could have made an immediate arrest if the family had still been at the scene. The department also requested that the Lakeland Police Department conduct a well-being check at the family’s home, according to a statement reported by WKMG/ClickOrlando. Police said they will not release the video to the public because of its sensitive content.
Investigation and state review
According to Sanford police, the Department of Children and Families has been notified, and a full case packet has been sent to the State Attorney’s Office for review. Prosecutors requested that packet before deciding whether to approve any criminal charges, WESH reports.
Under Florida law, in Chapter 827, “child abuse” includes intentional acts or conduct that could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child, and penalties vary depending on the nature and severity of the alleged harm. For the statutory language and potential penalties, see the state child-abuse statute on Online Sunshine.
How social clips have spurred action before
Local law enforcement has used viral clips in the past as a starting point for welfare checks and arrests. In 2022, a videotaped incident that circulated online led Sanford police to identify and charge a caregiver after an infant was struck, showing how quickly social footage can trigger protective action, according to FOX 35. That earlier case underscored the role of online reporting in child-safety responses across Central Florida…