A Chandler mother is accused of punching and biting her preschool-aged daughter.
Chandler police report that on July 31 they arrested 31-year-old Enricka Rena Johnson.
Police say Johnson abused her 5-year-old daughter at their home near Arizona Avenue and Pecos Road.
Investigators allege that Johnson became angry because the child would not brush her hair. She reportedly punched the girl in the eye and bit her on the arm.
A medical exam noted several other injuries including a brain bleed and a broken lower leg with scarring.
Johnson allegedly told police that she bit the child on the arm, hand, and shoulder. She also said, "I hit her hard, I hit her a lot."
She reportedly told police that the girl broke her leg about two to four months ago, but instead of getting medical attention she taped the leg for support. The leg swelled causing the scarring.
Police say they also found meth in Johnson's possession.
She has been charged with child abuse.
If you suspect a child is being abused, the Arizona Department of Child Services has resources available to report the issue to a social worker. You can call the Arizona Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445), and will be asked for information about the child, as well as the nature of your concerns. You can also get more information from DCS about reporting abuse or neglect online.
