Police: Santa Paula Father Bit 3-Year-Old's Arm, Hurled 8-Month-Old Onto Bed
SANTA PAULA (CBSLA.com) — A 33-year-old father accused of physically assaulting his two young daughters remained in custody on Saturday.
According to the Santa Paula Police Department, officers were sent around 7:05 p.m. Thursday to the 200 block of South 12th Street, for report of child abuse.
Officers explained the mother reported the child abuse incident involving her husband and two young daughters.
A preliminary investigation revealed Richard McElroy physically abused his children prior to his wife leaving the house.
Authorities said McElroy had been drinking heavily all day, and reportedly became impatient with both children, which led to physical abuse.
"During the incident with the 3-year-old, he bit the child on the arm so hard he left marks," said Sgt. Cody Madison. "He poured hot sauce down her mouth, struck her several times on the back with a hair brush, and threw her against a closet door."
Authorities went on to explain McElroy also became impatient with his 8-month-old daughter, and dropped her from about two to three feet above her crib.
The mother explained she asked for her child at that time, which prompted McElroy to throw the baby onto a bed, located about five feet from him.
Being concerned for her well being and safety of her unborn child, the mother took her children and contacted police when she had the opportunity to safely leave the home.
The children were medically evaluated, but did not require hospitalization, officials reported.
McElroy was arrested on two felony counts of child abuse, and is being held on $100,000 at the Ventura County Main Jail.
Detectives said they are currently investigating additional charges at this time.
