Newark – The Delaware State Police have arrested a 53 year old New Castle woman after she allegedly assaulted a child at the Manor Group Home in Newark.
Police said their preliminary investigation has determined that on April 9, 2016 at approximately 1:39 p.m., a notification was received through the child abuse hotline about a 13 year old child who had been assaulted by a care giver at the Manor Group Home, owned by the Christina School District, located at 30 Glyn Drive in Newark.
Authorities said that on April, 8, 2016, Harrietta Kanda, 53 of New Castle, was observed striking a child, who is autistic and does not speak, in the back of the head several times with a closed fist.
Detectives learned that during the incident Kanda requested the child to return back to the kitchen to clean up his area after dinner, according to police. Officials said that shortly after entering the kitchen the child was heard crying out.
A staff member immediately responded into the kitchen and found the child on the floor with Harrietta Kanda standing over top of him, police said. Police went on to say that Kanda had her hands on the front of the boys shirt collar lifting him up off of the floor. Kanda was then seen striking him several times in the back, neck and the head area with a closed fist, according to police. Investigators said that the a staff member, who immediately ran into the kitchen, stopped Kanda from striking the child again. After this incident Kanda and the victim were separated, police said.
On April 11, 2016 at approximately 3:35 p.m., a school nurse completed an injury report at which time she observed injuries which included redness and bruising on victim’s right upper arm and scratches on the back of his neck, police said.
After the Attorney General’s review of the investigation and conferring with the Department of Justice warrants were obtained on September 8, 2016 for Harrietta Kanda’s arrest. On September 13, 2016 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Harrietta Kanda responded to Troop 2 where she taken into custody and formally charged with Felony Child Abuse Second Degree – Recklessly or Intentionally Causing Physical Injury To A Child with Intellectual Disabilities and Endangering The Welfare Of A Child – Intentionally, Knowingly or Recklessly Act In Manner Likely To Injure a Child. Kanda was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and issued a $2000.00 unsecured bail with a no contact order with anyone under the age of 18.
Image Credits: Delaware State Police
