A Fayette County woman is accused of turning a routine babysitting favor into a terrifying ordeal inside a third-floor Uniontown apartment, according to authorities.
Police say the mother had left her 5-year-old and 11-year-old sons with Vira Zabudko at a Berkeley Street apartment on Friday while she moved some belongings. When she came back, the criminal complaint states, Zabudko refused to let her in and was struggling with the children inside.
According to the complaint, one of the boys was nearly thrown through the screen of a third-floor window, and all three people inside the unit were ultimately forced into a shower.
The mother told police she had asked Zabudko to watch the boys and that, when she returned, she found the door blocked. Officers were called to the Berkeley Street address, and the mother managed to escape the apartment with her children before police arrived, according to WTAE.
Allegations From The Criminal Complaint
The criminal complaint states that Zabudko allegedly tried to throw the 5-year-old through the screen of the third-floor window during the confrontation.
Investigators say Zabudko then told the younger boy to get into the shower to wash the sins out because he is dirty. The complaint further alleges that she forced the mother into the shower as well.
Zabudko is now facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault and unlawful restraint with serious bodily injury, according to WTAE.
How To Report Suspected Abuse
Local child-welfare officials stress that anyone who suspects a child is being abused or is in danger should report it, even if they are not certain what is happening.
Per Fayette County Children & Youth Services, residents can call 724-430-1283 during business hours, or call 724-430-1287 after hours, or contact Pennsylvania ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.
What To Watch Next
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional public records about the case. Hoodline will monitor court filings and official statements and will update this story as new information becomes available.
