Robert Marcu : Father Chokes 10-Year-Old in Fight with Son

SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. (WFOR) – A disturbing incident captured on cellphone video at Gwen Margolis Park in Sunny Isles Beach on Memorial Day has led to the arrest of a 60-year-old man identified as Robert Marcu. The video shows Marcu allegedly choking and shaking a 10-year-old boy, causing great concern among law enforcement officials.

Marcu is facing charges of aggravated child abuse with great bodily harm and battery by strangulation in connection with the incident. The video footage depicts Marcu grabbing the young boy by the neck and violently shaking him, leading to visible distress and discomfort on the child’s face. For the protection of the victim’s identity, his face has been blurred in the video.

Sunny Isles Beach Police Sgt. Melissa Porro expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting the disparity in strength between a grown man like Marcu and a young child who was unable to defend himself. The violent nature of the act has raised alarms within the community.

According to police reports, the altercation between the 10-year-old victim and another child, believed to be Marcu’s son, began during a playful water gun fight. Marcu allegedly intervened in the altercation, leading to the shocking and aggressive behaviour captured in the video.

Sgt. Porro elaborated on the severity of the incident, stating that Marcu forcefully choked the child, causing him distress and fear to the point of tears. The arrest report details how Marcu restricted the victim’s breathing by gripping his neck and shaking him vigorously.

In a troubling statement, Marcu reportedly admitted to his actions, claiming that he intended to “teach the child a lesson.” As a result of the assault, the victim sustained red marks and scratches, although he was fortunately physically unharmed.

At his court appearance, Marcu’s bond was set at $5,000, and he was ordered to stay away from the victim. It was revealed during the court proceedings that the children involved in the incident attend the same school, raising further concerns about their safety and well-being.