Man Accused Of Intentionally Pushing 7-Year-Old Girl To Ground On Staten Island
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police arrested a homeless man accused of assaulting a 7-year-old girl on Staten Island.
The alleged attack happened in the New Dorp section while the child was walking with her mother near Edison Street and Bryant Avenue around 1:40 p.m. Monday.
Police said Vondell Cox, 20, intentionally pushed the girl to the ground and then took off.
CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis spoke with neighbors who said they're shocked by the incident.
"That is crazy because something like that doesn't really happen in this neighborhood. You never hear things like that," said Chris Christian.
"I really can't understand anyone picking on a child, but again this shouldn't happen anywhere. I don't care if you're here in New Dorp, if you're anywhere, it just shouldn't happen," said Ed Amberger.
"No one should be touching a child," Amberger said.
The girl suffered minor cuts to her knees; her mother refused medical attention for her at the scene.
Police charged Cox for assault, harassment and endangering the welfare of a child.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
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