An 11-year-old girl was left terrified after a man chased her and tackled her to the ground for allegedly vandalising his apartment in Hillsborough County, Florida. The disturbing encounter was caught on video that is being circulated on social media, sparking widespread outrage among viewers.
NBC News cited a report from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office that said the man, identified as 43-year-old Marius Mutu, suspected the girl of repeatedly egging his apartment complex when he not only confronted her but also pinned the screaming minor to the ground.
The egg-throwing incidents were a recurring issue in recent days, according to Mutu. On Saturday afternoon, he saw the girl walking near his home after his property was vandalised again and assumed she was responsible. He then “chased her, forced her to the ground, and restrained her, the sheriff’s office said.
The video, captured by a female onlooker, shows the child screaming for Mutu to get off of her and swearing that she did not do what she was accused of. “I wasn’t doing anything, I swear to God!” she screamed. She pleaded for help from the woman filming, who protested the man’s actions and indicated to the child that she was videoing for evidence.
Another nearby individual was alarmed by the girl’s cries and rushed to her aid, telling Mutu to release the child. According to authorities, Mutu only stopped when adults intervened. He later told deputies he only wanted to take her photo to report her to apartment management. He was arrested and charged with battery and false imprisonment, then released from custody.
Sheriff Chad Chronister strongly condemned Mutu’s actions. “This type of behaviour is not only unacceptable; it’s reprehensible,” he said. “This child endured a terrifying and traumatic experience at the hands of someone who chose to take matters into his own hands.”
The sheriff emphasised that protecting children is a top priority and that anyone threatening their safety will be held accountable. Mutu, who began working as a parking enforcement specialist for the city of Tampa just last week, has been suspended while the incident is under investigation.
