The 35-year-old mother of a 5-year-old girl and another young child was “distraught” when Flagler County sheriff’s deputies arrived at her door Saturday evening on Cedarview Court in Palm Coast.
The mother had friends over that evening when she asked Thomas Myers, 36, to start the grill. He “went like crazy,” in the words she used to describe the incident to deputies. The couple’s friends decided to leave to get away from the drama. The woman escorted them out and apologized for Myers’s behavior. While she was outside, Myers went outside and told her angrily that she needed to deal with the kids because he wasn’t about to. She told him she’d be right in.
Next thing she heard was her 5-year-old daughter screaming.
She said her 5 year old claimed Meyers–the girl’s father–pushed her off her high chair and slapped her over the head. The girl’s mother didn’t witness the incident since she was outside. But she heard her daughter scream through the open windows. When she heard the accusation, the girl’s mother took her and went with her to a bedroom, locked the door and called 911.
The girl repeated the allegation when a deputy spoke to her, describing Myers hitting her “so hard” on the head before pushing her and causing her to tumble over and hurting her head on the floor. “I asked her if [Myers] was saying anything to her while he was hitting her, and [the girl] responded, ‘he said he was actually going to try to kill me with his hands.'” The girl called her father “stupid” and “dumb,” and said she could not remember any physical harm in the past. A deputy’s examination of her head indicated no visible signs of injury.
A deputy located Myers walking to a convenience store. Initially, Myers told him he had no identification on him, but later produced a driver’s license. He acknowledged having an argument with his fiancee over their 2-year-old child needing a diaper change, but denied being physical with either child. He said he’d been in the backyard, drinking White Claw and fishing.
Myers, of 135 Blare Drive in Palm Coast, was arrested on a felony child abuse charge and two misdemeanor counts of assault and booked at the Flagler County jail on $4,500 bond. He was released two days later, after posting bail, but is under a no-contact order regarding the child and her mother pending resolution of the case.
Concerned Citizen says
Takes a big man to push a 5 year old out of her high chair. Hopefully he tries to push someone bigger and gets pushed back harder.
Our Judges need to take a long hard look at the bond schedule in this county. It’s ridiculously low. And laughable. Why on earth would you let someone bond out that low on an offense like that? And what good will a no-contact order do?
We need a stronger approach on domestic violence in this county. And sooner rather than later.
Layla says
There are too many of these cases here in Palm Coast.
Name (required) says
This man clearly has pain and anguish in his eyes. Such a hard time for many, but a legitimate challenge for many families now. I hope our community can reach out and prevent these type incidences. We all need to stick together right now. Apart, of course. But, sincerely. Be vigilant and cognizant of your own, as well as your neighbors needs. Together we are strong. Divided we are weak. Let this not be the sauce to change the flavor of our favorite thing. Community. Look out for your neighbors. Now is important. Truly.
Denise says
Well said words from a good heart ! I totally am in agreement . We need to prove that we are more than a species…. we are children of a great creator who is filled with nothing other than love , forgiveness, and compassion. We are the top of the species because none other has received the spirit of the Holy Ghost and we are the hands and feet of a loving God ! I pray we all remember that we are supposed to be an example of love not savage as the beasts ! Loved your comment . Bless you .
Concerned Citizen says
@ Name (required)
There is no excuse what so ever . For what he did. A 5 year old in a high chair is no threat. And so what of the percieved pain and anguish. He abused a child. And it’s very liekly this wasn’t a first offense.
To many times we try and give abusers of women and children a mental health pass. When in fact they are just mean ass holes who feel empowered hurting women and children.
Society needs to take a long hard look at Domestic Vilence.
No way says
The pain in his eyes comes from being arrested. He didn’t look that way when he pushed a 5 year old. Big man reduced to tears.
Don says
Whats worse ..he is back at house now..sadly abused women keep returning to the abuser..he is not supposed to be there
Outsider says
Welcome to Palm Coast, the jackass magnet of Florida.
Mary Fusco says
AMEN ! Sorry, but when I moved here 20 years, it was a different place. Now, what you see is what you get. Sad.
frank says
They need to up the penalties for just about everything around here. Fines are very light.