Dad charged with child abuse after hitting 3-year-old son (Gaston, North Carolina)

Dad GREGORY DALE LUNSFORD has been charged with child abuse after hitting his 3-year-old son in the back and face. According to Dad, he "accidentally" dropped the child on the driveway. The child was crying and reacted angrily, so then Dad hit him "two or three times"--hard enough for bruises. What a jack@$$.

http://www.gastongazette.com/news/child-40817-police-face.html

A.M. News: Father faces child abuse charge after hitting toddler in face
November 24, 2009 6:54 AM
Kevin Ellis

A 49-year-old man allegedly told police he became angry and frustrated with a young child after the boy struck him in the stomach and in retaliation hit his son two or three times with an open hand in the back and face.

The hits caused bruises to the back and face area of the child who turned 3 today, Nov. 24, according to a warrant affidavit written by Gastonia Police Officer E.S. Wiggins.

Police say the incident took place Nov. 16 and a warrant for misdemeanor child abuse was taken out Monday on Gregory Dale Lunsford. He was released from custody on an unsecured bond, but would have to pay $15,000 if he fails to show up for court.

The incident took place at Lunsford's residence at 1001 Floyd Lane, according to the warrant affidavit. Lunsford allegedly told police he was holding the child when he accidentally dropped him on the driveway. When the child began to cry, Lunsford said he tried to pick him up when the boy struck him in the stomach, according to the warrant affidavit.