Newport News, Va. – A Hampton man has been arrested and charged with the abuse of a 4-year-old, police tell NewsChannel 3.
On October 25, 2013, the Newport News Police Department’s Special Victims Unit received a referral from Child Protective Services (CPS) regarding a 4-year-old Newport News girl with bruises on her chest that appeared to be the result of being hit or slapped.
The police investigation revealed that the suspect had been caring for the victim while her mother went to the grocery store. During that time, police say he struck the victim in the chest more than once.
On October 30, 2013, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for cruelty and injury to a child.
On April 26, 2014 at 7:10 p.m., police arrested 38-year-old Derrick Stepharne Thomas of the 1500 block of Briarfield Avenue in Hampton. He was arrested in the 600 block of Ridley Circle.
Thomas is charged with cruelty and injury to a child.
Stay with NewsChannel 3 for updates.
