Knoxville, Tennessee — A 19-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly beating a man with a plunger and fleeing with his toddler. Charles Coffman is facing charges of attempted second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, aggravated kidnapping, and theft.
What Happened?
On Sunday morning, at around 8:45 a.m., police responded to a welfare check at a home on Mercer Street in Knoxville after a caller expressed concern that the homeowner might be dead and his 3-year-old daughter had been kidnapped.
Upon forcing their way inside, authorities found the victim in the bathroom, severely injured with a head wound and naked. The home smelled of bleach, and the toddler was nowhere to be found. The victim’s Ford Expedition was also missing.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Shortly after issuing an alert for the missing vehicle, police located the car, along with Coffman, an unnamed woman, and the missing child. According to Coffman, his mother, who was in jail, had called and instructed him to take the child from the house.
Coffman and the woman allegedly took an Uber to the residence, where Coffman got into a physical altercation with the victim.
Coffman reportedly admitted to slamming the victim to the ground, hitting him in the face multiple times, and using a toilet plunger to strike the victim, even forcing it into his mouth.
He also stated that he dragged the victim into the bathroom, stripped him naked, and poured bleach on his wounds.
Allegations and Charges
In addition to the violent attack, Coffman admitted to stealing the victim’s vehicle, though he claimed to have received permission from the child’s mother.
However, the child’s mother later denied this claim, stating she did not speak to Coffman and would never have allowed him to take the child or steal the vehicle.
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The woman who accompanied Coffman to the home told police she found the victim on the floor and was handed the child before they all left in the stolen vehicle.
She also overheard Coffman discussing the fight, mentioning that he wasn’t sure whether the victim was alive or dead.
The Victim’s Condition
The victim was taken to a nearby hospital where he was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma and other serious injuries. Due to the severity of his condition, police were unable to speak to him.
What’s Next?
Coffman was booked into the Knox County Jail on Monday. A bond hearing has been scheduled for Friday.
What are your thoughts
This disturbing case raises questions about accountability, the safety of children, and the level of violence that can escalate from domestic disputes. What do you think should happen in cases like this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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