KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A 29-year-old woman, Loren Whaley, was arrested on Friday evening after witnesses reported seeing her punch a 7-year-old child in the face in a South Knoxville Kroger parking lot, authorities said.
Incident Details
Police were called around 7 p.m. to the Kroger on Chapman Highway near West Young High Pike after reports that Whaley had assaulted the child.
According to the arrest warrant, a witness said Whaley dragged the child by the arm into a white car in the parking lot and hit the child twice in the face with a closed fist. A second witness corroborated the account.
The child initially told police he had a nosebleed but later pointed to the right side of his face, indicating where he had been struck. Officers observed redness on the child’s face and dried blood on his shorts and leg.
Arrest and Charges
When contacted, Whaley was sitting in the driver’s seat of the car, washing her hands with a water bottle. She did not provide an explanation for the incident.
Whaley was booked into the Knox County Jail on Saturday afternoon and is charged with felony child abuse. She is due in court Monday morning as reported by WLTX. It is currently unclear what relation she had to the child.
Safety and Awareness
Authorities emphasize the importance of:
- Reporting child abuse immediately if witnessed.
- Protecting children and ensuring they are released to a trusted caregiver.
- Monitoring for injuries or signs of abuse and alerting law enforcement.
Share Your Thoughts
Do you think more should be done to prevent incidents like this in public spaces in Knoxville? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below. Your input can help raise awareness and protect children in the community.
