EL MIRAGE, AZ — A grade-school child reached out to the El Mirage police chief via e-mail saying he was afraid to go home, according to officials.
El Mirage police report that on April 24, they responded to Riverview Elementary School after a student e-mailed the El Mirage Chief of Police, saying, "He has been abused for (the) past two years and is afraid to go home."
The child accused Colin Mason Steffee, 27, of punching him, choking him, and throwing him into a cabinet the previous night. He also said Steffee kicked him in the ribs after he fell on the floor.
The incident was confirmed by the boy's mother, police say.
When questioned, Steffee allegedly told investigators that he threw a Tupperware container at the child, hitting him in the head. He also reportedly admitted to throwing water in the child’s face to make him mad. He also said he punched and stepped on the child, according to court records.
Steffee reportedly told investigators that, "he did this because he has anger issues."
Steffee has been charged with 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.
