A 21-year-old Raleigh mother, identified as Nikita Monique Lyrica Jones, has been arrested and charged after authorities say she physically assaulted her 6-week-old daughter and left the infant alone in a car during 40-degree weather.
The incident occurred earlier this week outside a McDonald’s where Jones had reportedly started her work shift. Police responded to reports of a crying baby left unattended in a vehicle. Upon arriving, officers discovered the infant shivering in the car, which had no heat running, WLBT reports.
“The baby was in visible distress,” said a law enforcement spokesperson. “Leaving any child unattended is unacceptable, but in these conditions, it was particularly dangerous.”
Further investigation revealed signs of physical abuse. According to officials, Jones is accused of punching the baby prior to leaving her in the car. The infant was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, where medical staff confirmed injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma.
Jones has been charged with felony child abuse, child endangerment, and assault on a child under 12. She is being held at the Wake County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.
The baby has since been placed in the custody of Child Protective Services and is reported to be in stable condition. Authorities are continuing their investigation.
Jones is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
#Clique I just want to know, what did the baby do???
