Man was arrested for hitting a toddler with an extension cord

Jonesboro, Arkansas – Police claim that a Jonesboro man struck a toddler with an extension cord, “leaving deep wounds,” and is now charged with criminal assault.

On Friday, Craighead County District Judge Tommy Fowler determined that there was sufficient evidence to file a second-degree battery prosecution against Christopher Denzil Harper, age 31.

The victim allegedly informed school administrators on May 9 that Harper “whooped” them with an electrical cord after they got into trouble at school, according to court filings.

“The child sustained injuries to [their] back, arms, legs, and neck just underneath the ear,” the affidavit stated. “Some of these strikes caused deep wounds into the skin of the victim.”

In a Mirandized interview at the police station, Harper allegedly acknowledged that he had “disciplined” the victim with an extension cord.

“Harper also stated that he had no intention of striking the child all over the body and admitted that the strikes were excessive,” the affidavit stated.

Harper’s next circuit court hearing is scheduled on June 28. He is currently being held on a $15,000 cash/surety bail.