Hinesville father charged with felony child cruelty after daughter flags down police officer

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) - A Hinesville father is out on bond after his 11-year-old daughter ran to a passing police officer and told him her father was trying to kill her, according to the Hinesville Police Department.

The incident happened April 19 near a car wash on Elma G. Miles Parkway. Officers say the girl flagged down a patrol vehicle, visibly distressed, and told the officer her father had beaten her.

According to the incident report, Anthony Salazar, 35, had been drinking earlier that day.

Officers observed severe bruising and welts on both of the girl’s legs. When confronted, Salazar admitted to striking her with a belt and told officers the injuries would be visible.

A black leather belt and a t-ball bat were later recovered from the family’s home as evidence.

Salazar was arrested and charged with cruelty to children in the first degree — a felony — aggravated battery, and two counts of cruelty to children in the third degree, all under the Family Violence Act.

The girl’s two younger brothers, ages six and seven, were home at the time of the incident.

Salazar admitted to officers that he used the beating as an example to them.

Despite her own injuries, the girl initially declined medical attention — telling officers she was more concerned about her brothers’ safety than her own.

Hinesville Police Chief Tracey Howard said the girl’s bravery likely made a critical difference. He also urged the community to be mindful of the long-term impact abuse can have on children.

“Be mindful of the lasting effects that it can have on a child and also what repeat behavior it can contribute to,” he said.

Petula Gomillion, Executive Director of Atlantic Area CASA, said cases like this are harder to detect during the summer months when children are away from teachers and other mandated reporters.

“Child abuse situations are on the rise during the summer months, but they go undetected because there’s no additional eyes on them like they are in school,” Gomillion said.

“It takes a village to raise a child...pay attention.”

Per the incident report, DFCS did not respond to the scene at the time as the children’s mother was present.

Salazar was released on bond two days after his arrest, under the condition that he has no contact with the victims.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, contact the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) at 1-855-GACHILD (1-855-422-4453).