WOONSOCKET – Police have arrested a woman on child abuse charges for an incident at the Woonsocket Motor Inn on Clinton Street.
Elizabeth Jarrie was taken into custody on Aug. 31 and charged with second-degree child abuse.
According to hotel staff and family members, Jarrie struck the child during an argument in room 207. Police said in their report that they viewed video showing her strike the child across the face with an open hand, causing the child to fall into the playpen.
Officers later saw marks on the victim’s back, stomach, legs, arms, and head. The victim was then taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families got involved.
Police found Jarrie near East School and Rathbun Streets where they took her into custody.
Jarrie was arraigned and released on $5,000 bail. Conditions release involve a domestic no-contact order and monitoring for mental health and substance use.
Jarrie appears to have a history of homelessness and starting online fundraising pages for help. She had posted one on Aug. 24 asking for help with her and her son’s new start after moving to Rhode Island from Florida. A similar post from last November, listing her as living in North Smithfield, said that they were out in the cold and also looking for help paying for a hotel for a few nights and to pay bills.
“Anything helps. I just relocated and am trying to get on my feet after being wrongfully kicked out of where I was living and left with nothing besides my son,” she posted at the time.
A man pictured with her in online photos and claiming to be the child’s father posted that he no longer associates with her. He said he will be working on getting the child from state custody.
She also has past charges stemming from alleged domestic assault in Florida.
Police said they take allegations involving safety and welfare of children very seriously and remain committed to thoroughly investigating incidents involving crimes against them.
This matter remains under investigation, said police. No more information will be provided on the juvenile victim in order to protect their identity and privacy.
All victims are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law, said police.
