CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police arrested a man who they say punched a toddler on Sunday in Charlotte.
A mother called the police and said an unknown man punched her 1-year-old child on Sunday around 11:41 a.m. near the intersection of West Summit Avenue and South Tryon Street. The 1-year-old was punched in the face, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Rico Limon Williams, 26, was taken into custody after witnesses identified him as the suspect, according to police. Williams is charged with assault on a child under the age of 12.
The child, who WCNC Charlotte is not publicly naming at this time, was taken to Atrium Health's Levine Children's Hospital for treatment.
The child was treated and released.
Williams is currently being held in Mecklenburg County Jail.
Williams refused to appear in court Monday claiming the appearance would take too long.
During the court hearing, officials gave details of the incident saying Williams randomly approached a woman walking her baby in a stroller and punched the child. Officials also say a door dash driver, who saw the child being hit, tracked down Williams and held him until police arrive.
The suspect in this case faces several other charges for a handful of unrelated crimes.
According to court records, Williams has several scheduled court dates for misdemeanors including assault on a female, indecent exposure, burning personal property, and inquiry to personal property.
Meanwhile, some people who live in the area of the incident say they're not too surprised, as they've seen an increase in crime.
“It just goes to show you that maybe this isn’t the most family-friendly place, which is sad because it’s such a nice place to walk your dogs and kids,” Rebekah Ross, a South End resident said.
Williams has been given a court-appointed attorney, who said his client is suffering from a mental health issue. The district attorney's office called Williams a danger to society.
Williams is being held on a $125,000 bond.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.