NYPD

Man Restrained by Family After Slapping 7-Year-Old Boy in Central Park

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 26: People with and without masks avoid social distancing while walking in Central Park as the city continues Phase 4 of re-opening following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus on September 26, 2020 in New York City. The fourth phase allows outdoor arts and entertainment, sporting events without fans and media production. (Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
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A 33-year-old man didn't make it far after allegedly slapping a boy across the face in Central Park on Saturday.

Police say the suspect randomly picked out a 7-year-old boy walking with his family in the park near Columbus Circle and slapped the child. The force of the assault reportedly knocked the boy to the ground.

The NY Post reports members of the family and other bystanders helped to restrain 33-year-old Kevin Cadelina, who police identified as the suspect. Cadelina was held until police could arrive.

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The Jersey City man was arrested shortly thereafter and faces charges of assault and acting in a manner injurious to a child. Contact information for his attorney was not immediately known.

The boy reportedly suffered no serious injuries.

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