SANFORD, Fla. – Sanford Police are publicly addressing a video that has gone viral on social media this week. They say it shows a “disturbing interaction” between a young girl and her stepfather.
The girl’s aunt, Leondra Chapman, posted the video online and shared it with News 6.
“My niece is standing behind my grandma’s car and he yokes her up, grabs her by her hood, and slams down on the car,” Chapman said as she watched with the video alongside our News 6 team.
Another clip from the home’s security camera shows the man reaching for the 9-year-old girl again.
“Slaps her in the face, and then the back of the head,” said Chapman. “Her older sister tries to help her, but he tells her to let her go.”
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Chapman said the man can also be heard cussing at the child and making threats. She told News 6 she posted the video because there was no arrest on Monday night when it happened.
After Chapman shared the video online, Sanford Police posted a statement on Facebook Tuesday night saying the department is aware of the incident:
We are aware of a video that was posted online regarding a disturbing interaction between a young girl and her stepfather.
A family member notified the Sanford Police Department after the incident, and after the family had left the area to return to their home in the Lakeland area.
We are currently investigating and are working with the State Attorney’s Office regarding charges. Additionally, the Department of Children and Families has been notified to investigate the safety of all children in the home.
We will not be sharing the video due to the sensitive nature of its content.
Later that same night, the Sanford Police Department shared an additional statement from Chief Cecil Smith with even more context:
The Sanford Police Department received notification about this incident two hours after it occurred, and after the family had already left the area. Had the family been on scene when officers arrived, an immediate arrest could have been made.
Due to the family not being on scene, and the time lapse since the incident occurred, contact was made with the Lakeland Police Department requesting them to conduct a wellbeing check at the family’s home. At this time the Department of Children and Families was notified, and interviews have been conducted in regard to this investigation.
The Sanford Police Department then provided information about this incident to the State Attorney’s Office for review. The State Attorney’s Office requested a full case packet to review prior to approving criminal charges. The complete packet will be submitted to the State Attorney tomorrow for review regarding the possible issuing of a warrant. The matter will be turned over to the State Attorney’s Office at that time.
Sanford Police Department
Chapman said her first thought Monday night was to rush to her niece and protect her.
“Maybe I should have called the police first, but when you see that, the first thing you’re going to think when like your mind is clouded is not to call the police. I’m going to go get, I’m going to go to the scene, go to go help your niece,” said Chapman.
Chapman said her original video was viewed 3.7 million times before it was taken down. She said she hopes the incident is not “brushed under the rug.”
“I don’t want to see kids in this system. I don’t want to see kids separated from their parents, but I don’t want to see kids being hurt either,” said Chapman. “So, I want this to be like an eye opener for everyone.”
News 6 is not sharing the man’s name or showing his face because no criminal charges have been filed at this point.
“I have heard from police. They’re just really leaving everything up to the State Attorney right now. And they’re doing the best they can,” said Chapman. “So, they are trying.”
Sanford police told News 6 that the the case paperwork was delivered to the State Attorney’s Office on Wednesday morning.
Later in the day, the State Attorney’s Office said that they are currently are reviewing the video and additional evidence, including any reports from follow-up investigations by other agencies.
In addition, the chief of the special victims unit in Seminole County is expected to make a decision on charges in the coming days.