Daytona Beach

Babysitter Broke 3-Year-Old's Arm For Wetting Pants: Police

Authorities say a babysitter broke a 3-year-old's arm with a spatula for wetting his pants.

Daytona Beach police say 21-year-old Haillee Howell had been babysitting the child and his two brothers for five months. According to an arrest report, the children's mother dropped them off at Howell's home Thursday. When she picked them up, her 3-year-old was crying and said his arm hurt. X-rays revealed three broken bones.

According to the report, hospital officials also discovered bruising under the boy's eyes and in both ears.

State welfare officials interviewed the boy who said Howell hurt his arm because he wet his pants.

She denied the claims, according to the arrest report, saying the abuse must have taken place elsewhere.

Police told WESH they spoke with the victim's brothers, who were also in Howell's care, and both told similar stories about the abuse.

She was charged with aggravated child abuse. It's unclear if she has hired an attorney who could comment on the charge.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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