BUCKEYE, AZ — A step-father is accused of spraying water in a boy's face during exercises given as punishment.
Buckeye police report that on Thursday afternoon they received word from school officials who observed bruises on a boy's legs, arms, hip, and torso.
Police say the boy accused his step-father, 30-year-old John Masshad Wright, of striking him with a belt, then making him do push-ups and sit-ups outside.
While doing the forced exercises Wright allegedly sprayed water in the boy’s face, making it difficult for him to breathe.
The victim also accused Wright of hitting the boy with a belt on previous occasions leaving bruises on his body, head and genitals.
Upon his arrest, Wright reportedly said he struck the victim six times with the belt but was unaware of leaving any bruises.
Wright was arrested for child abuse.
If you suspect a child is being abused, the Arizona Department of Child Services has resources available to report the issue to a social worker. You can call the Arizona Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445), and will be asked for information about the child, as well as the nature of your concerns. You can also get more information from DCS about reporting abuse or neglect online.
