PEA RIDGE, Ark. (KNWA) — Two Pea Ridge residents were both arrested in connection with abusing a minor.
Brian Chadwell, 38, and Jennifer Chadwell, also 38, were arrested for the abuse of a minor.
Brian Chadwell was arrested in connection with third-degree domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor.
Jennifer Chadwell, the girl’s mother, was arrested in connection with permitting the abuse of a minor.
Brian is accused of beating his stepdaughter with a spatula, a wooden spoon and a stick covered in thorns, along with forcing her to sleep on the kitchen floor as punishment, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Police said there was a “large red welt” on the girl’s back more than 12 hours after the alleged incident.