MISSOULA, MT — A 22-year-old man from Florence has been arrested and charged with felony assault on a minor after allegedly assaulting a 2-year-old child at a daycare facility in Ravalli County.
Marcus Henry Kushner, whose mother owns the daycare in Stevensville, is accused of pinning the child to the ground and covering the child’s mouth on April 1. According to court documents, Kushner became frustrated with the child’s behavior and took aggressive action in response.
Witnesses, including two daycare workers, reported that the young child’s face turned red and then purple during the altercation. The incident was said to have taken place when Kushner, frustrated by the child’s lack of compliance, restrained the child by forcefully holding them down and placing his hand over their mouth.
The two daycare workers told law enforcement that they observed the child struggling to breathe for several minutes, with the child’s lips turning blue before Kushner released his hold to answer a phone call. The child eventually recovered, but the workers immediately notified authorities.
Kushner later admitted to law enforcement that he lost his temper, grabbed the child, held them down, and covered their mouth. He stated that he released the child when he noticed the child’s lips turning blue, indicating a lack of oxygen.
The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly, and Kushner was arrested on charges of felony assault on a minor. He is currently being held in custody with a bond set at $2,500.
The daycare, where the incident occurred, has not commented publicly, but the event has raised significant concern among parents and the community regarding the safety of children in daycare settings. Local authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
Kushner’s actions have sparked outrage, with many emphasizing the critical importance of emotional control and appropriate behavior for anyone working in childcare. As the case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the need for vigilant oversight in environments entrusted with the care of young children.
The victim’s current condition is not publicly known, but authorities have stated that the child has since recovered from the physical effects of the incident.
