Nationwide — James Collins, a 44-year-old father from Lilburn, Georgia, has been arrested after being caught on video allegedly beating his 3-year-old son in a local Kroger parking lot. The incident was recorded by a bystander and later shared online.
In the video, Collins can be heard angrily yelling at his son to “shut up” and “get in the damn car” as the toddler sobs from inside his white GMC truck, according to Daily Mail. Collins then slaps the boy multiple times and scolds him for allegedly peeing on himself, shouting, “Stop pottying on yourself.”
A woman who witnessed the scene got concerned and stopped to look. But Collins confronted her angrily, telling her to “mind your damn business” and continuing to shout as she walks away.
The video was shared by TikTok user _ainabainab, who reported the incident to 911 and provided the truck’s license plate. The original poster expressed frustration over the slow response from authorities, urging others to help ensure Collins faces justice.
Despite the initial slow response, the video gained attention on Reddit, where many users praised the woman who intervened and expressed concern for the child’s well-being.
Following the online uproar, the Gwinnett County Police Department opened an investigation. They reviewed surveillance footage from the supermarket, confirming the incident.
The boy, who suffered minor injuries, is now in the care of family members, and the Department of Family and Child Services has been notified.
Collins has been charged with first-degree cruelty to children and is being held at Gwinnett County Jail on a $4,600 bond. The police are withholding further details to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation.
