The Lawrence Police Department is investigating a violent assault on a 25-year-old babysitter in Centennial Park. LPD reports that the babysitter was attacked in the park at 2124 West 9th Street while holding a four-year-old child this afternoon.

Officers responded to the area around 12:30 p.m. and were approached by witnesses who said a female angrily approached a small group of people supervising children on the playground.

The woman is believed to be living in the park. The victim was worried about the safety of the child so she picked her up and attempted to get her away from the 33-year-old suspect.

LPD says it is believed that the suspect struck the victim in the back with a dumbbell multiple times. The victim managed to flee the scene before reaching her vehicle, leaving the area, and phoning police.

The suspect was taken into custody and charged with Suspicion of Aggravated Battery and Child Endangerment. LPD says the victim declined medical treatment and will be physically okay.

A motive for the assault is not known at this time, but the suspect’s behavior was described as very erratic.