SMITHVILLE, Tenn. — A Smithville man faces child abuse charges after police say he was caught on camera striking an 11-year-old boy in the face — not once, but twice.
According to a report from the Smithville Police Department, 20-year-old Ethan Joseph Fleming of West Broad Street allegedly hit the child around 6:15 p.m. on October 16, leaving visible marks. The incident was recorded on a Ring doorbell camera, which officers say provided clear evidence of the assault.
Following the investigation, Officer Kendall Parker took Fleming into custody and charged him with child abuse. The suspect was booked and later released on a $3,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in DeKalb County General Sessions Court on October 30.
Authorities have not released additional details about the relationship between Fleming and the child, but police emphasized that the case is being handled seriously due to the age of the victim and the recorded evidence.
DISCLAIMER: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The arrest records or information about an arrest that are published or reported on NewsRadio WGNS and www.WGNSradio.com are not an indication of guilt or evidence that an actual crime has been committed.
Source: Partner Station WJLE
