A California nanny was arrested on child abuse charges after a landscaper witnessed her allegedly assaulting a 22-month-old girl at Markham Ravine Park and recorded the incident on video, police said.
Background
The Lincoln Police Department responded to Markham Ravine Park on March 16 after receiving a report of child abuse. A landscaper at the park told officers he heard a commotion and a child crying near a play area. He observed the child being physically abused repeatedly and recorded video of the incident, according to authorities.
After the suspect, identified as Suzanne Buhler, 41, left the park with the toddler, two other witnesses followed her to a home in Lincoln, California, where the child's parents worked from home. The witnesses alerted police to the suspect's location.
Curtis and Angie Tuttle told KCRA they hired Buhler through Care.com to care for their 22-month-old daughter, Paisley. The couple said they had been pleased with her services.
"She was really developing our child in a very positive manner," Curtis Tuttle said.
The couple was surprised when three police officers arrived at their door on March 16. "One officer asked if they could come into my home. I said, 'Yes, of course.' She shut the door. The two were out with Suzanne. The one was with me, and he proceeded to tell me what had happened," Curtis Tuttle recalled.
The officer explained that a landscaper at the park had witnessed the abuse and recorded it. "It was a complete shock," the father said. "If I didn't see this video myself, I would not have thought this had happened."
The Investigation
Officers responded to Markham Ravine Park after the landscaper provided his recorded evidence. Police located Buhler at the home where witnesses had tracked her.
Officers found the child with visible injuries consistent with the reported assault. The toddler was given medical treatment and is now safe with family, according to police.
Buhler was booked into the Placer County Jail on a child abuse charge. She has since bailed out, according to jail records.
Care.com issued a statement saying it was "deeply saddened" by the incident. The company noted that all caregivers on its platform are required to complete annual background checks before contact with families. Buhler completed all required screenings and had no prior reported incidents on the platform. Her account has been closed, and steps have been taken to prevent her from re-enrolling.
Key Takeaways
- Suzanne Buhler, 41, was arrested on child abuse charges after a landscaper recorded her allegedly assaulting a 22-month-old girl at Markham Ravine Park
- The toddler was found with visible injuries consistent with the reported assault and received medical treatment
- Two witnesses followed Buhler from the park to the child's home, helping police locate the suspect
- The family hired Buhler through Care.com and described her as having been "really developing our child in a very positive manner"
- Buhler has bailed out of Placer County Jail; the investigation remains ongoing
What's Next
The Lincoln Police Department continues to investigate the incident. Anyone with further information is asked to contact the department at 916-645-4047.
Care.com has stated it stands ready to assist law enforcement with the ongoing investigation. No court dates have been set as of yet.