Woman breaks into motel room and assaults 12-year-old, New York officials say

A woman was arrested after being accused of breaking into a motel room and assaulting a 12-year-old, New York officials said.

On May 23, 33-year-old Brittany Santaliz of Kingston broke into a motel in Ulster and physically assaulted a 12-year-old, according to a news release from New York State Police.

Santaliz hit the child in the face several times, officials said.

Eventually, the child’s parents were able to stop the assault and remove Santaliz before calling 911, troopers said.

Troopers didn’t specify if Santaliz knew the child. McClatchy News reached out for more information on May 28 and was awaiting a response.

The child was treated at the scene for minor injuries, officers said.

The woman was arrested and charged with burglary, assault and act in a manner injurious to a child less than 17, troopers said.

She is scheduled to appear in court on May 28, troopers said.

Ulster is about a 110-mile drive northwest from New York City.

This story was originally published May 28, 2025 at 2:10 PM with the headline "Woman breaks into motel room and assaults 12-year-old, New York officials say."