Police Searching For Man Who Allegedly Forced 3-Year-Old Girl Into Hot Oven, Beat Her With Belt

Police are looking for a man from DeLand, Florida, accused of beating up a toddler before forcing her into a hot oven. Terry May, 45, also allegedly struck the 3-year-old girl with a belt.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office are now searching for May, who has a child abuse charge against him, which carries a $50,000 bond. According to a police press release, a deputy went to the victim’s home on Thursday. She had visible injuries including “an extensive abrasion on her ear, several contusions and swelling on the top of her head and forehead, a 6-inch scar on her back, abrasions and lacerations on her feet, hands and leg,” the press release stated. The ear injury appears to be related to a burn, possibly from the hot oven May allegedly forced her into. The victim reportedly told police that she was put in an oven, but it remains unclear for how long.  

According to the Orlando Sentinel, she said she was frequently hit with a belt. Sheriff Mike Chitwood crowned May with the title “SCUMBAG of the Week.”

"It just boggles my mind that you would torment and beat and place a kid in the oven, and yet you walk around on two feet," Chitwood told Click Orlando.

May’s family is maintaining that May is innocent and believes the child's mother is to blame.

"He loves children. He never beat any children or put them in no oven. I don't know why she [the girl’s mother] told that little girl to tell that lie," said Louisa Douglas, May's mother.

Police did not specify if May is related to the little girl.

Anybody with information on May’s whereabouts are urged contact the Sheriff’s Office. Call 386-248-1777 to reach the VCSO Communications Center or submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 888-277-TIPS or westopcrime.com.

[Photo: Volusia County Sheriff's Office]