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Newport News police trying to find man wanted for hitting child

Posted at 9:39 PM, Mar 12, 2014
and last updated 2014-03-12 22:33:37-04

Newport News, Va. - A 4-year-old girl was hit in the chest hard enough to leave a bruise.  Now police need your help to find the person who they say hit her.

Police say during their investigation, the child identified the person who hit her as Derrick Stepharne Thomas, 37.

Police say Thomas was watching the child for her mother in October 2013 when it happened.

A daycare worker noticed the bruise and reported it to Child Protective Services.

Thomas is 6'3" and 160 pounds.  He is currently homeless but often frequents the 1500 block of Briarfield Road in Hampton.

He's wanted for one count of cruelty and injury to a child.

If you know where police can find him, take action and call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

You do not have to give your name or testify in court.  If your information leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.