LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Louisville woman was arrested after police said she admitted to hitting a 6-year-old girl multiple times outside of a gas station for stealing a candy bar.
According to an arrest report, Louisville Metro Police officers were called Saturday morning to the Thornton's on South 7th Street on the report of a woman assaulting a child.
Officers arrived on scene and were advised by witnesses they had the child in a secure area. Police said the woman, identified as Noella Uwimana, came out of the store and told officers she went in to get an iced coffee and saw a child take a candy bar from the store and eat it without paying.
The report said Uwimana allegedly admitted to hitting the 6-year-old for stealing the candy.
The citation also said the incident was caught on camera. Police reportedly watched the footage and said Uwimana "balled her hands and made multiple striking motions with no hesitation or reduction in a blatant attempt to cause an impact to the victim sitting in the seat."
Witnesses then rushed out and attempted to stop Uwimana. She allegedly attempted to leave, and witnesses opened the door for the 6-year-old girl to get out of the vehicle and run for safety.
The girl told police she was in the store and wanted a candy bar, which Uwimana wouldn't buy. She said she left the store, and Uwimana began hitting her.
Officers observed multiple injuries on the girl. The girl told police she had scratches on her face from Uwimana trying to gouge her eyes after hitting her multiple times.
Uwimana is charged with first-degree assault and first-degree criminal abuse of a child. She is due in court Tuesday.
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