Father charged after distressed 11-year-old daughter flags down police officer, says her dad was trying to kill her

HINESVILLE, Ga. [CBS7]

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A Georgia man faces multiple child abuse charges after his 11-year-old daughter sought help from police, alleging severe physical abuse. Anthony Salazar, 35, was arrested following the April 19 incident in Hinesville after the girl flagged down an officer and reported being assaulted. When examined by police, the child displayed visible bruising and welts across both legs.

During questioning, Salazar acknowledged using a belt to strike his daughter and indicated he knew the blows would leave marks. Authorities determined he had consumed alcohol earlier that day. Officers recovered a black leather belt and a T-ball bat from the residence as evidence. Salazar was booked on first-degree cruelty to children, aggravated battery, and two additional counts of third-degree cruelty to children.

The girl's two younger siblings, ages 6 and 7, were present in the home during the assault. Salazar told investigators he deliberately inflicted the injuries in front of the younger children as a form of punishment or demonstration, according to police records. Despite her injuries, the 11-year-old initially refused medical evaluation, telling officers she was primarily concerned with the welfare of her brothers rather than her own condition.

Hinesville Police Chief Tracey Howard characterized the girl's actions as potentially life-saving. "Be mindful of the lasting effects that it can have on a child and also what repeat behavior it can contribute to," Howard stated, emphasizing the importance of recognizing abuse's long-term consequences.

Petula Gomillion, who leads the Atlantic Area CASA advocacy organization, noted that child abuse cases frequently escalate during summer months when youngsters are absent from school. "Child abuse situations are on the rise during the summer months, but they go undetected because there are no additional eyes on them like they are in school," Gomillion said. "It takes a village to raise a child. Pay attention."

Salazar was released on bond two days after his arrest under conditions prohibiting contact with the alleged victims. Family and Child Services officials did not attend the scene because the children's mother was present at the residence.