A Florida man, Marius Mutu, aged 43, was arrested for allegedly attacking an 11-year-old girl, believing she had been throwing eggs at his apartment in Tampa. The incident occurred at the Allison Park Place apartment complex, where deputies responded to reports of an assault on Saturday (April 19).
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Mutu chased the girl and pinned her to the ground, suspecting her of egging his home over the past week. A video captured the distressing scene, showing the girl screaming for help while Mutu restrained her.
"Please, I wasn’t doing anything," the child cried, pleading for assistance.
Neighbors who witnessed the event were disturbed, with one resident, Hannah Noel, expressing her dismay in an interview with WGHP: "As a mom, it makes me sick to my stomach. For a grown man to do something to a vulnerable person is ridiculous." Another resident intervened in the video, demanding that Mutu release the girl.
Mutu claimed he was attempting to take a photo of the girl to report her to the apartment management. However, his actions led to his arrest on charges of battery and false imprisonment. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the incident, stating, "This type of behavior is not only unacceptable, it’s reprehensible. The safety of our children is non-negotiable."
The sheriff's office remains committed to ensuring the protection of children and holding accountable those who harm them.