Martha Zapata Echeverri (51) from Columbia, is facing a child abuse charge after an altercation in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park.
According to the Virginian Pilot, Zapata Echeverri was arrested and is accused of pushing and grabbing a 17-year-old girl during the second night of the Disney Starlight Nighttime parade at the Magic Kingdom.
The Orange County Police report shows that they were called in due to an incident between Zapata Echeverri and a teenager.
Zapata Echeverri said that she was following her daughter to get to the front of the crowd for the parade, and the teen pushed into her, claiming it was “her spot.”
The teen argues that Zapta Echeverri grabbed her, prompting the teen to ask not to be touched.
Either way, the teen reportedly had bruising and nail marks on her arm. Police felt that Zapata Echeverri’s explanation about how the marks got there was “unclear.”
No witnesses or security footage were available to indicate what exactly happened. But Martha Zapta Echeverri was arrested for child abuse and is expected to make bail.
She is still claiming her innocence, and her attorney, Bryan Farinas believes she will be cleared of the charges, saying,
“Based on the information that we have reviewed, Ms. Zapata Echeverrí was confronted and physically pushed by the alleged victim. We are confident that once all the facts have been fully evaluated, it will be clear that there was no criminal intent and no abusive conduct by Ms. Zapata Echeverri.”
The case is ongoing.
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