CANTON, OH – A 20-year-old woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly assaulting an 11-year-old girl on a local playground, a confrontation that has sparked outrage and concerns about safety.

Destany Scott was charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and obstructing official business following an incident Friday at a park on Clark Avenue, according to Canton Police. Eyewitness accounts and cellphone footage reportedly captured the attack, where Scott can be seen striking the young girl, identified as Paige Dishong’s daughter.

“There is no justification for such violence,” said Dishong, the girl’s mother, expressing her distress over the incident. She added that Scott, considerably larger than her daughter, could have inflicted serious harm.

The altercation reportedly began due to a disagreement between Scott and the child. Police in Canton were summoned to the scene after receiving reports of an assault. Upon their arrival, officers found Scott and Dishong engaged in a heated exchange over the altercation.

Scott is accused of forcefully grabbing the girl’s hair and slamming her against a slide multiple times. The young girl shared her experience, describing how she was taken by surprise and overpowered.

Scott, who has entered a not guilty plea, appeared at her arraignment on Tuesday. Her next court date for pretrial proceedings is set for the upcoming week.

Residents and local officials are alarmed by the incident, demanding stricter measures against such acts of violence. Dishong voiced her sentiments, insisting that heightened penalties are necessary to prevent future occurrences.

While the exact cause of the dispute remains unclear, this case has highlighted the need for increased vigilance and protection for children in community spaces. Families in Canton are seeking assurance that such events do not repeat, emphasizing the safety and well-being of their children in public areas.