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SALT LAKE CITY — A mother was arrested on suspicion of aggravated child abuse after an officer came into contact with a 10-year-old girl who had injuries Tuesday, police said.
An officer was investigating a shoplifting incident when they met the girl at about 3:16 p.m. near 500 N. Redwood Road, according to detective Richard Chipping of the Salt Lake City Police Department. He said the child, who had allegedly stole something, had multiple injuries consistent with abuse, including welts and bruises.
Investigators said they learned the girl was living with a 5-year-old sister who was also being abused after taking her to a nearby hospital. The girls’ mother, 30-year-old Lucinda Escobar, was later arrested at her home near 625 S. Redwood Road on suspicion of multiple counts of child abuse, according to police.
“We’re definitely glad that the officer was paying attention and was able to see that there was something going on with that child,” Chipping said. “It’s a terrible situation, and we’re sad when we have these types of investigations.”
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
- The Utah Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect families with community resources. Its goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe." Visit dcfs.utah.gov/questions/ or call 801-538-4100.
- The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
The two girls have been taken into state custody, according to Chipping. He said they were the only two children living in the home.
Chipping was unsure what specific injuries the 5-year-old girl sustained. According to a report from the Salt Lake County Jail, the two girls were beaten with a belt. The 10-year-old had a swollen face and was bleeding from the ear due to having a belt wrapped around her neck while she was repeatedly punched and slapped in the face, the report states.
Contributing: Pat Reavy
Contact the author at ncrofts@ksl.com or find her on Twitter.
