Babysitter attacked by suspect with dumbbell in Lawrence park, police say

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) — The Lawrence Police Department is investigating after a 25-year-old babysitter was attacked Tuesday afternoon at Centennial Park while holding a 4-year-old child.

Lawrence police say officers were called to the area around 12:30 p.m., where witnesses said a woman, believed to be living in the park, angrily approached a small group of people supervising children on the playground.

According to police, the victim, worried for the safety of the child, picked her up and attempted to get away from the 33-year-old suspect, but the suspect allegedly struck the victim multiple times in the back with a dumbbell.

Police said the victim was able to run away from the suspect, get into her vehicle with the child and leave the area while calling the police.

The suspect was located in the park and arrested on suspicion of aggravated battery and child endangerment.

Police said the victim declined medical treatment on the scene and will be physically fine but was clearly shaken.

Officers were unable to determine a motive for the attack but said the suspect’s behavior with them was very erratic, according to police.

The suspect is not being named until formal charges have been filed in Douglas County.

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