Shreveport Woman Arrested for Child Abuse After School Discovery

SHREVEPORT, LA – A discovery at a local school leads to the arrest of a Shreveport woman on serious child abuse charge. Shreveport Youth Services detectives have caught up with the suspect after talking to staffers at Linwood Charter school. Teachers and others at the school recently noticed cuts and scars on two children who are ages 11 and 14. Some of the injuries appeared to be several weeks old.

The suspect is now facing charges of abusing the children.

Detectives were able to gather evidence pointing to Brittany West as a suspect in this case. Detectives learned West had used an extension cord to physically discipline both children several times. Detectives have described the injuries as “extensive and concerning.”

West was taken into custody and has been charged with two counts of Cruelty to a Juvenile.

Shreveport Police Issued this Statement About Child Abuse:

The Shreveport Police Department wants to remind the public that while parents and guardians have the responsibility to discipline their children, this must never be done in a way that causes physical harm or suffering. Discipline should never involve instruments intended to inflict pain, and it should never be administered out of anger. Striking a child in a manner that results in injury is not discipline—it is abuse.

How to Report Child Abuse

We are wrapping up April which is Child Abuse Prevention Month. You are encouraged to report any possible case of child abuse to police as soon as you suspect a child is being harmed. You might help save a life.

Police say “every child deserves to feel safe and protected.”