Caretaker accused of hitting baby who wouldn't stop crying

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Forty-two-year-old caretaker Sara Aguilar is behind bars. She's accused of striking a nine-month-old baby in her care because he wouldn't stop crying. Investigators say it happened at her apartment in northwest Harris County on West Gulf Bank, near Antoine.

Prosecutors submitted a portion of the details from their investigation as Aguilar made her initial appearance before a judge.

Prosecutors stated in part: "A witness flagged an officer and stated that she observed the defendant slap a small child across the face several times."

Also, according to the documents prosecutors read in court, it wasn't the first time.

"The witness also stated that she and several tenants had thrown the baby across the apartment a few days earlier."

When we knocked on the door of that apartment, we met a woman who identified herself as Aguilar's sister-in-law. She claims she was with Aguilar throughout the day before her arrest, and that she couldn't have hurt the child.

Another woman told us off-camera that Aguilar took good care of her grandkids. Still, Aguilar is behind bars until she can post bond on this very charge of injury to a child.

Deputy Constables from Precinct One were the first to respond to the scene. The Constable's Office says they called for an ambulance for the baby, but s ride to the hospital wasn't necessary. The mother was advised to follow up with the pediatrician.

As for the daycare, it was operating without a permit, and although Child Protective Services says there is not a history of problems at that address, the state's Childcare Licensing division is now investigating.

If you would like to take a closer look at your child's caretaker or inquire about applying for your own permit, you can get more information at dontbeinthedark.org.