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Last updated September 26, 2022 @ 1:19 PM ET
The following was taken from a press release distributed by the Gwinnett County Police Department:
The Gwinnett County Police Department responded to an injured child call on Lewis Ridge Circle, Lawrenceville, at approximately 8:00 A.M. When officers arrived, they located a four-year-child with a stab wound to his abdomen.
The suspect was quickly identified as the child’s uncle, 19-year-old Anatolii Balesta. Balesta was still in the residence when police arrived and was taken into custody.
Balesta has been charged with Aggravated Assault and Cruelty to Children in the 1st degree. Detectives believe narcotics to be the reason for the attack, but the investigation is ongoing.
The four-year-old victim was transported to the hospital and is currently in stable condition.
If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.
Case Number: 22-0077631