Jefferson City man arrested after allegedly beating toddler at Capital Mall

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of child abuse after an incident at the Capital Mall Saturday afternoon.

Jefferson City Police were called to the mall on Country Club Drive just before 4 p.m. Witnesses reported a man punching and kicking his 4-year-old daughter several times before taking her and fleeing the scene.

Officers were able to identify the suspect through video cameras. He was later found with the child at a home in Jefferson City.

Police said the girl had obvious, but minor injuries. She was taken into protective custody and the man was arrested. His name hasn’t been released.

Jefferson City police and the Department of Family Services are still investigating.