Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in September 2016.
In a disturbing incident at a Cleveland Walmart, authorities have launched an investigation after photos went viral on social media showing a man allegedly gripping his daughter’s hair tightly as she sat in a shopping cart.
Erika Burch and her husband, Robert, witnessed the heartbreaking scene unfold one Monday afternoon. Erika described how the man was dragging the young girl by her hair, while the child begged, “Please stop. I promise I won’t do it again. Please stop!”
Moved by the distress, Erika quickly snapped several photos of the man and the frightened child. Summoning her courage, she confronted him, demanding he let go of the girl’s hair. His cold reply: “No, you need to mind your own business.”
Robert Burch voiced his shock, saying, “He dragged that baby around the store.”
Another Walmart shopper, Ora Schumann, witnessed the troubling scene as well. She noted that the man appeared angry because the child wasn’t staying close to the shopping cart. Schumann described how the man grabbed the girl by her hair, pulled her toward the basket, and scolded her. The frightened child repeatedly apologized, pleading, “I’m sorry, I won’t do that again. I’m sorry.”
Concerned for the child’s safety, Erika Burch immediately called the police. Cleveland Police Chief Darrel Broussard confirmed that officers are working closely with Child Protective Services as the investigation continues.
Child Protective Services (CPS) told KPRC 2 that they are carefully examining the household to identify if other children are involved and investigating whether the man in the photos displays a concerning “pattern of behavior.”
The photos Erika Burch shared on Facebook have ignited widespread outrage, with over 18,000 shares and countless comments expressing deep concern for the child’s safety. One user wrote, “This is so sad. I feel awful for that poor baby girl. I hope this gets investigated further.”
Others highlighted the gravity of the abuse, with one commenter firmly stating, “No matter what a child does, you never pull them by their hair.”
However, reactions to the man’s disciplinary approach were mixed. While many condemned his actions, some urged caution before rushing to judgment. One commenter wrote, “While I don’t agree with his methods, I’m not here to judge. Maybe the child needed discipline, and he made his choice.”
At this time, no charges have been filed, and the investigation is still underway. The incident has ignited a wider debate about parenting, discipline, and what is considered acceptable behavior in public.