Mom who 'whipped' 4-year-old with belt charged, police say

A 24-year-old North Little Rock woman was arrested Wednesday night after she used a belt to repeatedly whip her 4-year-old son, according to a police report.

Dominique E. Norris was booked into the Pulaski County jail on a charge of second-degree battery.

Norris' cousin told investigators she saw Norris striking the boy "with a belt numerous times as he layed on the floor in a fetal position on his side" at Norris' home in the 300 block of Beech Street, the North Little Rock Police Department report said.

The attack continued until the cousin got on top of the child to prevent Norris from hitting him further, police said. The boy complained of pain in his genitals, the report said. The cousin said the tip of the belt came in contact with the toddler's groin as he was being whipped.

Investigators, who responded shortly before 9 p.m., spoke with Norris, who acknowledged striking her son for "going to the bathroom on himself."

A preliminary court appearance for Norris is set for later Thursday morning.

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