Police: Father slaps Loves Park child for bullying his son

LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — Loves Park Police arrested John Garner, 28, for allegedly slapping a child in the face.

On May 8th, around 6 p.m., police responded to Maple Elementary School for a man yelling and threatening kids.

Garner told officials that his son was bullied the day before and he was confronting his son’s bully. He told the 13-year-old to have his father come to the park so they could speak about the situation, according to court documents.

The victim stated that he was pushing Garner’s son on May 7th and that Garner hit him in the face, according to authorities. Officials said the victim had a bright red palm print on the left side of his face.

A witness recorded the incident and it showed Garner striking the 13-year-old with an open hand, police said. Another witness told officials they saw Garner hit the victim in the face.

Garner was taken into custody and under Miranda admitted to striking the child.

Garner is being charged with aggravated battery in a public place.

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