NAPLES, Fla. — The Naples Police Department said in a press release they received several 911 calls from people at the Naples Pier Saturday, reporting a man had struck a child with a belt multiple times.
Witnesses at the scene said they tried to prevent the man from leaving the scene but were unsuccessful.
Officers found the suspects vehicle and conducted a stop on Gulf Shore Boulevard.
The man was identified as 55-year-old Phillip Kennedy, later confirmed to be an active Police Officer with the Miccosukee Police Department.
Kennedy admitted to police he had struck his son with a belt.
Witnesses on scene told police Kennedy had struck the boy with a belt and a closed fist multiple times.
Kennedy was arrested for child abuse and transported to the Naples Jail Center.