DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent attack on a 25-year-old babysitter at a park in Lawrence on Tuesday.
Just after 12:30p.m. the woman was attacked at Centennial Park, 2124 W 9th Street in Lawrence, while she was holding a 4-year-old child.
Witnesses told police that a woman, who is believed to be living in the park, angrily approached a small group of people supervising children on the playground.
The victim, worried for the safety of the child, picked her up and attempted to get away from the 33-year-old suspect, but the suspect allegedly struck the victim in the back with a dumbbell multiple times.
The victim was able to run away from the suspect, get into her vehicle with the child, and leave the area while calling police.
The suspect was located in the park and arrested on a requested charge of aggravated battery and child endangerment.
The victim declined medical treatment at the scene and will be physically ok, but was clearly shaken. Officers were unable to determine a motive for the attack but said the suspect's behavior with them was very erratic.