Suspect LaTia Harris (left); screenshot from video
SALEM — Authorities continued their search Thursday for a suspect captured on amateur video repeatedly beating a woman as the victim’s toddler son watched and bystanders did nothing to intervene and stop the attack.
The victim, Catherine Ferreira, was left with limited vision in her left eye and she was also threatened with being shot during the attack, according to the warrant issued for the suspect, Latia Harris, 25, of Salem.
The video, briefly posted on Facebook, shows Ferreira’s 2-year-old young son trying to protect his mother by kicking her assailant inthe attack which took place Tuesday night.
“… this video is physically sickening to watch,” said Salem City Chief of Police John Pelura III.
Pelura said Harris remained at large Thursday.
Harris is an employee at McDonald’s, where she encountered the victim. The subsequent attack occurred while she was on duty and after she followed the victim out of the store, according to police.
“Her whereabouts are unknown, but we are actively seeking her,” Pelura said. The chief said when police went to her last known address — a Salem City Housing Authority complex on Anderson Drive — it was “vacant.”
Harris is facing charges of aggravated assault and two counts of making terroristic threats.
Additional charges could also be filed against her, Pelura said.
In the warrant issued for her arrest, authorities charge Harris attempted to “cause significant bodily injury” to the victim “under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.”
Anyone with information on where Harris is is asked to call the Salem City Police Department at 856-935-0057.
h/t – nj
