Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
A Bristol Borough man was arrested Thursday on child endangerment and simple assault charges after a home visit by a county official uncovered evidence he allegedly beat his 3 -year-old daughter with a belt multiple times, authorities said.
Paul Harris 31, of the 600 block of Spruce Street in Bristol Borough, was remanded to county prison by District Court Judge Robert Wagner on 10 percent of $100,000 bail at an afternoon arraignment. The judge also ordered him not to contact his children.
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“I’m the only one who works and provides for the children,” Harris said before being sent to prison. “Rain, snow, sleet, hail; I’m working for them.”
Bristol Borough police were called to the 600 block of Spruce Street on April 11 at around 2:45 p.m. in response to a Bucks County Children and Youth (BCCY) worker’s request for assistance, according to Bristol Borough Police.
When officers arrived on the scene, the BCCY official said they were there for a “well-being” check of three minor children living with Harris, police said. The BCCY official told police Harris was being “uncooperative” with them.
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Police spoke with Harris, who is a military veteran, after they observed multiple “bruises” and “irritations” on the 3-year-old girl’s (identified as AB in court documents) back and buttocks, court documents said.
Harris told police he hit his daughter after it was discovered she had gotten outside. He said he subsequently struck her with the belt. He attempted to strike her additional times but she tried to run away. Harris told police he was not happy with the way the strikes landed on the child and that is why he continued to pursue her, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
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The child was was brought to a physician, whose report said the girls injuries were “layered and in different healing stages” indicating she had been struck multiple times, court documents said.
Assistant District Attorney Chelsey Crocker said charges were not brought against Harris until this week due to the investigation, which she said is now closed.
Officials would not comment on whether Harris was living or taking care of any other children.
