BULLHEAD CITY — A Bullhead City man has been arrested for harming his girlfriend’s two children. Police department public information officer Emily Fromelt said Matthew Cook, 27, was arrested July 10 for child abuse and endangerment.
Investigation reportedly began July 1 after police received an anonymous letter alleging abuse and neglect of 4 and 8-year-old sisters. “On July 2, a packet was dropped off containing photos of bruising and written allegations describing prolonged punitive measures, food deprivation and child neglect,” Fromelt said.
Fromelt said the children’s mother refused to allow Department of Child Safety (DCS) personnel to enter her dwelling to conduct a welfare check. She said the woman and Cook also refused to speak to police detectives or allow them to check on the children.
“Detectives interviewed other family members and executed a search warrant into the apartment in the 1500 block of Paseo Grande on July 10,” Fromelt said. “A loaded weapon was found accessible to the children within the residence.”
Fromelt said Cook was arrested when it was determined that he was the primary caretaker and was responsible for inflicting injuries upon the girls. She said the Mohave County attorney’s office will decide whether the mother will be prosecuted as well.
The sisters were placed into the custody of DCS.
