A trip to a Lincoln park ended with a child in visible pain and a nanny in handcuffs, after police say a 41-year-old woman assaulted a child she was supposed to be caring for at Markham Ravine Park.
Lincoln police arrested Suzanne Michelle Buhler on Thursday on suspicion of felony child abuse. Officers say the child was left with injuries that could be seen on scene and is now safe with family. The arrest took place in the Markham Ravine Estates neighborhood and drew an on-site investigation from Lincoln officers.
According to The Sacramento Bee, witnesses who saw the alleged assault did not quietly walk away. Instead, they followed the suspect to a nearby residence and contacted police, which investigators say helped lead directly to Buhler’s arrest. The outlet reports that investigators found injuries on the child that were consistent with what witnesses described, and that Buhler had promoted her services as a nanny on several websites and apps.
What police say
The Lincoln Police Department says the child is now with family while investigators continue looking into what happened. The department is asking anyone who may know more to reach out to its investigations division at 916-645-4047, and lists its non-emergency line on the city site for other tips. In its public safety materials, the Lincoln Police Department stresses that reports of child abuse are handled as a serious matter.
Arrest, release and court status
Buhler was booked on suspicion of felony child abuse, yet jail records showed she was released later the same day. A search of Placer Superior Court records had not turned up a case as of Thursday afternoon, according to The Sacramento Bee. Prosecutors will decide whether to file formal charges after reviewing the police investigation and evidence.
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who has video from the park that evening to contact Lincoln Police investigations at 916-645-4047. For non-emergencies, the department’s main line is 916-645-4040.
