PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Police say a 29-year-old man used a belt to spank a child causing “physical injury.”
KOIN 6 News is not identifying the child or her relationship to Christopher C. Harris, but 6-year-old girl is known to Harris, officials confirm.
The girl told another adult that her bottom hurt and explained that Harris had spanked her with a belt, according to court documents. The adult took photos and DHS took photos of the girl’s injuries. Investigators say there were six red bruise marks “several inches in length.”
The alleged incident happened in late June when the girl was at an apartment complex in Gresham with Harris. He was arrested Thursday afternoon.
When interviewed by Multnomah County Child Abuse detectives, Harris admitting spanking the child, according to court documents.
Harris is charged with one count each of first-degree criminal mistreatment for causing physical injury to the child and third-degree assault for hurting a child under the age of 10.
He made his first court appearance on Friday afternoon. Harris has been ordered not to have contact with minors, the child who was reportedly spanked, and her mother.
Records show that Harris will be released from jail and is being supervised by the county pending trial.