N.J. woman violently beaten as young son tries to intervene
SALEM, N.J. - A young mother in southern New Jersey was viciously beaten by another woman as the victim's young son looked on, reports CBS Philly. Video of the assault was later posted on Facebook.
The altercation occurred outdoors Tuesday in Salem, N.J., according to the station. Police have identified the suspect as 25-year-old Latia Harris. Chief John Pelura III said that, once apprehended, Harris will face charges of aggravated assault and two counts of terroristic threats.
The video shows a woman wearing a McDonald's uniform repeatedly punching the mother - who has not been identified - after she falls to the ground. While the assault is taking place, the victim's toddler son yells and kicks at the suspect in an attempt to make her stop.
At one point in the videotape, the suspect can be heard saying to the victim, "You better get your son before I kick him in the face, too!" She then appears to spit on the woman before walking away, according to CBS Philly.
Several bystanders can be seen in the footage. Many use their cellphones to record the attack; none make an effort to stop the fight.
Police said the suspect, Harris, asked those recording the altercation not to post the video on social media as she walked away, the station reports. Authorities managed to obtain the video before it was deleted from Facebook.
CBS Philly reports Harris was employed at a nearby McDonald's and has not reported to work since the assault. The victim told police Harris accused her of spreading rumors about her and the restaurant's manager.
Anyone with information about Harris' location is asked to call Salem, N.J. police at 856-935-0057.