Disney World tourist charged with child abuse after trying to get better view at parade
A visitor to Disney World in Florida has been charged with child abuse after allegedly assaulting a teenager at the theme park.
The alleged altercation is said to have happened on Monday during a parade at Disney's Magic Kingdom.
According to an Orange County Sheriff's Office police report, Martha Lucia Zapata-Echeverri is believed to have come into contact with the teenage girl when trying to get a better spot to view the parade.
As per the documents seen by People, local police have said the 17-year-old girl was left with nail marks on her arm.
Authorities are said to have 'separated' the two parties involved in the 'altercation', which took place at around 9.40pm.
Martha Lucia Zapata-Echeverri.
News in 90 Seconds - July 24th
The teen told police that she had been standing on Main Street in the theme park as she was preparing to take in the evening's parade.
Zapata-Echeverri, 51, allegedly 'put her hand' on the teenager in an attempt to 'make space'. The teen then told Zapata-Echeverri to 'not touch her' in Spanish.
Soon after, it has been alleged that the 51-year-old, who was born in Colombia but resides in Spain, then 'grabbed [the teen] by the arm and pulled her to the side, causing a bruise and abrasion on her right arm'.
The suspect told authorities that she was following behind her daughter in order to get to the front of the parade crowd.
She claims that it was the teen who was the one who pushed her.
The police's arrest affidavit also notes 'nail marks' were found on the 17-year-old's arm. Local authorities say the teen was the only one to sustain injuries.
Additionally, there were no independent witnesses or surveillance footage of the alleged incident.
According to local Florida TV station WESH, Zapata-Echeverri arrived in the US on a tourist visa on July 2 before then appearing in court on Tuesday of this week.
She had been set to return to Spain on Wednesday, her attorney stated.
Her lawyer also stated that the alleged incident has been 'mischaracterised', before adding: 'We are confident that once all the facts have been fully evaluated, it will be clear that there was no criminal intent and no abusive conduct by Ms Zapata-Echeverri.'
The judge reduced her bail to $2,500 and ordered the woman not to return to any Disney property.
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