A West Plains woman has been arrested and charged following an alleged child abuse incident that occurred on Sunday afternoon.
According to a report from the Howell County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Hunter J. Ward (OSN 229) responded to a residence on County Road 8040 at approximately 3:52 p.m. on August 3 after receiving a report of possible child abuse.
Upon arrival, Deputy Ward met with Christina Wilson in the driveway of the home. After introducing himself and explaining the purpose of his visit, the deputy asked Wilson to explain what had occurred.
Wilson told Deputy Ward that she had been in the bedroom with another adult, identified as Witness 1, when she heard a commotion between two children in another room. When she entered the room to investigate, a child identified as Witness 2 told her that Victim 1 had hit him with a Barbie doll. In response, Wilson admitted to taking the toy doll and striking Victim 1 with it. She claimed she did not believe the strike left any visible marks on the child.
Deputy Ward then spoke with Witness 1 and Victim 1. Witness 1 confirmed that Christina had been packing her belongings to move out of the residence when the incident occurred. He reported hearing a disturbance between Victim 1 and another child, identified as Weston. Upon entering the room, Witness 1 stated he saw Wilson strike Victim 1 on the arm with a hard plastic doll. Witness 1 told Wilson to leave the home and indicated to the deputy that he wished to pursue charges.
Deputy Ward observed a red mark on Victim 1’s left arm near the elbow and was granted permission to photograph the injury.
Following the investigation, Deputy Ward returned to Wilson, informed her of the observations and statements made, and placed her under arrest. Wilson was taken into custody without incident, placed in handcuffs, and transported to the Howell County Jail, where she was booked on a 24-hour hold pending formal charges.
Wilson has been charged with Abuse or Neglect of a Child and 3rd Degree Battery.
