Delco mom held for punching daughter, 9, in the face

A Delaware County mom who allegedly punched her 9-year-old daughter in the face while in a hospital waiting room last week left the girl behind when witnesses tried to intervene, police said.

It's not clear why Crystal Davis, 36, of Chester, and her daughter were at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park about 9 p.m. last Thursday or what prompted the assault, Ridley Park Police Chief Thomas Byrne said.

When another person in the waiting room saw Davis punch the girl, she tried to intervene, but Davis threatened her and members of hospital staff who tried to come to the girl's aid, police said.

When she became outnumbered, Davis fled in her car, leaving her daughter behind, Byrne said.

A description of Davis and her vehicle was put out and she was apprehended soon after on Chester Pike near Sellers Avenue, police said.

But Davis didn't go easily. Byrne said she was "obnoxious and used abusive language toward the officer" when she was arrested.

She was charged with assault, driving with a suspended license and related offenses, police said.

Davis' daughter was tended to by hospital staff after the incident then placed in the custody of her grandparents. Byrne said he did not know if the girl was injured.

He said yesterday that a family member picked up Davis' car this week, but no one had posted her bail and she remains in Delaware County Prison.