An Oklahoma man was arrested and accused of raping a four-year-old girl in a McDonald’s restroom on Tuesday, July 16, 2019. The incident occurred while the child was on a daycare field trip in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
Joshua David Kabatra, 37, faces two counts of rape and one count of lewd acts with a child. The charges stem from an incident that took place at a McDonald’s restaurant in Midwest City, as reported by Oklahoma City’s Fox 25.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Oklahoma City’s KWTV-DT, the four-year-old girl left her caretakers to use a restroom located within the McDonald’s play area. One of the caretakers, checking on the girl, found the restroom door locked and began knocking.
Kabatra eventually opened the door, reportedly with his arms raised, stating, “I was just washing my hands,” according to the caretaker’s statement to police. The child later told the caretaker and police that Kabatra had touched her genital areas with both his hands and his own genitals.
Kabatra’s account to police differed significantly. He claimed he felt ill and entered the unlocked restroom, finding the child already on the toilet. He stated that he vomited in the sink, washed his hands, and then left.
Joshua Kabatra, 37, was arrested on two counts of rape and one count of lewd acts with a child. (Midwest City Police Department)
McDonald’s issued a statement regarding the incident: “At McDonald’s, nothing is more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of our customers. We are deeply disturbed by the incident that occurred at one of our Oklahoma restaurants earlier this week. We are fully cooperating with the police during their investigation.”
This incident highlights the vulnerability of children and the importance of vigilance in public spaces. The police are continuing their investigation, and Kabatra is awaiting further legal proceedings. The daycare center involved has not released a public statement.
Child abuse is a serious crime with lasting effects on victims and their families. Resources are available for those who suspect or know of a child being abused. Reporting such incidents is crucial to protecting children and holding perpetrators accountable.
McDonald’s has stated they are cooperating fully with the police. The safety of children is paramount.