TAMPA, Fla. – A 43-year-old man, Marius Mutu, was arrested Saturday afternoon after allegedly attacking an 11-year-old girl in the Allison Park Place neighborhood of Tampa.
On April 19, 2025, at approximately 12:05 p.m., Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of an assault on a child. Upon arrival, they encountered Mutu, who admitted to confronting and restraining the young girl.
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According to the Sheriff’s Office, Mutu stated that egg-throwing incidents had repeatedly targeted his apartment over the past week.
On Saturday, when it happened again, he allegedly assumed the nearby 11-year-old was responsible. He then chased the girl, forced her to the ground, and held her until adults intervened.
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Mutu reportedly told deputies he was attempting to take a photograph of the child to report the alleged egg-throwing to apartment management. He was taken into custody at the scene.
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“This type of behavior is not only unacceptable, it’s reprehensible. The safety of our children is non-negotiable,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister, “This child endured a terrifying and traumatic experience at the hands of someone who chose to take matters into his own hands. We remain committed to protecting our children and ensuring those who harm them are held fully accountable.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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