A Florida daycare worker was arrested after allegedly violently shaking a playhouse, causing a 4-year-old boy to fall headfirst to the ground.
De’Neishia Garner, 30, has been charged with aggravated child abuse, according to court records. The Alachua Chronicle obtained an arrest report outlining the incident, which took place shortly before noon Monday at O2B Kids in Gainesville.
According to the affidavit, the boy climbed to the top of an outdoor playhouse. Garner allegedly shook the apparatus, causing the boy to fall off. Apparently unharmed, the boy stood up and walked away.
However, minutes later, the boy climbed back on top of the playhouse. Garner allegedly walked back over and began “violently” shaking it.
This time, the boy fell backward and flipped onto his head, landing on the concrete about five feet below. His injuries were more severe. According to the affidavit, he split his head open.
The boy was rushed to the emergency room, where he reportedly received nine stitches to his head.
Doctors also performed brain scans to determine whether there was any internal damage. According to police, the entire incident was captured on surveillance video.
After Miranda, Garner admitted to shaking the playhouse. She explained that she was trying to warn the boy not to climb that high. She allegedly told the boy, “We keep our feet on the ground,” before shaking it.
Cops transported her to the Alachua County Jail, where she has since bonded out. Officers allegedly stated in the affidavit that the regional manager of the company was present at the time of the incident and fired Garner on the spot.
A company representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
