Man arrested for suspected abuse of 7-year-old stepdaughter in Ibirama

A man has been arrested in Ibirama, Santa Catarina, on suspicion of sexually abusing his 7-year-old stepdaughter. The incident occurred at a commercial establishment where witnesses intervened and engaged in a physical confrontation with the suspect after observing inappropriate behavior toward the child.

According to the Military Police, the child's mother appeared to be intoxicated and did not intervene during the incident. Following the confrontation, the suspect fled the scene and left a hospital before police could complete a screening. He was later located and arrested at his residence. The child has been placed under the care of the Guardianship Council.