PHOENIX — A 12-year-old boy was choked while defending his mother against her boyfriend, according to court paperwork.
Phoenix police report that on January 17, a 12-year-old boy was sleeping in his home when he heard his mother and her boyfriend, Elvis White, 32, arguing. When he looked in the room, he reportedly saw White standing over his mother and yelling.
When the boy went to intervene, White allegedly grabbed him by the throat with both hands forcing him to sit in a chair. Police say he later grabbed the boy again by the throat with both hands lifting him off the chair and taking him to his bedroom.
The boy "climbed out of his room" and reported what happened to another family member who called the police.
Court records show that the boy's injuries were documented by medical staff.
When White was arrested on January 22 for a probation violation, he was questioned about the incident and admitted lifting the boy by his neck, police say.
He has been charged with disorderly conduct and 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.
