HAMILTON, Ind. (WLKI)- A Warsaw woman faces two felony charges after witnesses reported seeing her repeatedly punch a child outside a Steuben County church according to The Herald Republican
44-year-old Amy Fuller was arrested Saturday in the 4200 block of East Bellefontaine Road.
According to court documents, Fuller is charged with Level 5 felony domestic battery and Level 6 felony neglect of a dependent.
The domestic battery charge was initially filed as a Level 6 felony before the Steuben County Prosecutor's Office elevated it to a Level 5 felony.
Police were dispatched at about 12:45 p.m. Saturday to the Hamilton Church of Christ at 4045 E. Bellefontaine Road. The call involved a reported battery against a child inside a purple vehicle in the church parking lot.
The vehicle left before officers arrived. Police later stopped it while it was traveling on Water Street.
The probable cause affidavit states that Fuller was speaking on a cellphone as officers approached the vehicle. She reportedly described the child as being out of control and refusing to listen.
The child appeared frightened and initially told officers they had been struck once on the leg. Officers reported finding a white welt shaped like a human hand.
Another child inside the vehicle reportedly told officers the physical discipline was justified because the alleged victim did not listen.
Police returned to the church parking lot and obtained signed statements from four witnesses.
The witnesses reported that the child had repeatedly asked for water before Fuller took the child to the vehicle. They alleged Fuller then punched the child several times in the back of the head before driving away.
The child was taken to Cameron Memorial Community Hospital for an examination. A physician documented a large lump on the back of the child's head.
During an interview with police, Fuller reportedly denied normally spanking the child but said the child had embarrassed her in front of other people.
Officers later transported Fuller to the Steuben County Jail.
The charges carry a combined maximum possible sentence of eight and a half years if Fuller is convicted and the sentences are ordered consecutively.
The allegations are contained in a probable cause affidavit and have not been proven in court.
Fuller is presumed innocent unless and until she is found guilty.