Mapleville man charged with second degree child abuse following assault against son

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BURRILLVILLE – A Mapleville man is facing charges for second degree child abuse after his son, a 9-year-old boy with special needs, told his mother about the incident, which was later reported to police.

Joshua Belisle, 43, was also charged with domestic assault with a deadly weapon and domestic disorderly conduct following an investigation that began on Monday, April 24.

According to a release from the department, Belisle reportedly assaulted the boy during a weekend visitation.

“The son told police that Belisle was upset with him for having a ‘temper tantrum’ and grabbed him by the neck, held him against the couch, and put him on the floor by his neck,” noted the release. 

The boy also reported having trouble catching his breath once the hand was removed, and police say significant bruise, consistent with a handprint, was observed on the his neck.  

Investigators learned that Belisle’s father attempted to intervene to stop the altercation, and a verbal altercation then ensued between the two. The older man – the young boy’s grandfather – told officers that Belisle went into the kitchen, grabbed a sharp kitchen-type knife, and held it within inches of his chin and neck area, stating “I am going to kill you.”  

The father reportedly did not sustain any injuries.

Belisle was arrested on a warrant on Thursday, April 27, and later arraigned in 6th District Court.  He was released on $5,000 surety bail. 

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