(Le Floridien) — Gerald Thelusme, a Northwest Miami-Dade resident, was arrested after biting his 14-year-old daughter in the presence of police, in what he seems believe was an act of punishment for bad behavior.
According a Local 10 News report, the event occurred in front of the family’s home located in the 10800 block of Northwest 10th Avenue, in the presence of police officers who had responded to his call regarding disciplining her for alleged bad behavior.
The Haitian-born called police around 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14. The accused dad was looking for help to punish his 14-year-old daughter.
As police officers arrived on the scene, the situation escalated between the angry dad and defying daughter to the point officers were trying to mediate the two.
Thelusme, reportedly becoming upset during the intervention, seized the girl by the head and bit her on the cheek, causing a wound that drew blood. Local 10 News said the police report highlights that the entire episode was captured on the responding officers’ body cameras, providing clear evidence of the assault.
Following the incident, Thelusme was taken into custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and charged with child abuse causing no great bodily harm. He confessed to the crime and was subsequently released on a $2,500 bond.
This case has ignited discussions among local residents regarding the disciplinary methods some immigrant parents in the US culturally employ with their children for misbehavior, which are viewed as child abuse. It also sheds light on the legal consequences of such actions.
The use of body camera footage in this instance highlights the critical role of police documentation in prosecuting domestic violence and abuse cases.
