Dad charged with child abuse, 2nd-degree assault for punching son in face (Salisbury, Maryland)

Dad CHRISTOPHER BURRELL has been arrested on child abuse and 2nd-degree assault charges after punching his son in the face after a "heated argument." Why does the press always confuse a "heated argument" with an assault?

You and I might have a "heated argument" about the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement on American manufacturing employment, but once your fist makes contact with my face, it's no longer a "heated argument." It's an assault. Capiche?

http://www.wgmd.com/?p=2244

Apr 6, 2010
posted by: Joe Ciccanti-WGMD News

Child abuse arrest in Worcester County

A case of child abuse in Worcester County…It happened on Booth Street, where a Sheriff’s deputy learned that the child and his father, Christopher Burrell, became involved in a heated argument when according to the kid, his father punched him in the face injuring him. The father is in custody on charges of child abuse and second degree assault.

Date of Incident: 1 April 2010

Location: 900 block of Booth Street, Salisbury, MD

Suspect: Christopher D. Burrell, 46, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 1 April 2010 at 9:30 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported altercation in the 900 block of Booth Street. Upon arrival, the deputy met with a male juvenile who was visibly upset and suffering from a recent contusion to the face. The deputy learned that the juvenile and his father, Christopher Burrell, became involved in a heated argument when the juvenile stated that his father punched him in the face causing the injury.

The deputy located the victim’s father and subsequently placed him under arrest, transporting him to the Central Booking Unit. At the Central Booking Unit Burrell was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Burrell in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.

Charges: Child Abuse
Assault 2nd degree