A Georgia man is facing multiple charges after his young daughter ran to a police officer for help, telling him she feared her own father wanted to kill her.
According to the Hinesville Police Department, the incident unfolded on April 19 near a car wash on Elma G. Miles Parkway in Hinesville, a city roughly 42 miles from Savannah. An officer on patrol noticed an 11-year-old girl who appeared visibly shaken as she approached the vehicle. She told him her father had assaulted her and that she believed her life was in danger.
Police identified the man as 35-year-old Anthony Salazar. When confronted, he reportedly did not deny hitting his daughter, telling officers he had used a belt to discipline her and that the marks would still be visible on her body. Officers later documented significant bruising and welts across both of the girl’s legs, according to the police report.
Investigators said Salazar had reportedly been drinking prior to the incident. A search of the family home turned up a leather belt and a T-ball bat, both collected as evidence.
Two younger boys, ages 6 and 7, were inside the house at the time. Officials say the father indicated the punishment was meant to serve as a warning to them as well.
Despite her injuries, the girl reportedly turned down medical treatment on the scene, telling officers her main concern was making sure her younger brothers were safe. Because the children’s mother was home during the incident, child protective services were not immediately summoned.
Hinesville Police Chief Tracey Howard credited the girl’s courage for bringing the situation to light, while urging the community to recognize the long-term impact abuse can have on children — and how it can shape future behavior.
Salazar was charged with first-degree child cruelty, aggravated battery, and two counts of third-degree cruelty to children. He was held at Chatham County Jail and released two days later under a no-contact order.