Daycare provider arrested for abuse and neglect of a child

Fair Oaks Police District – A 67-year-old woman was arrested Thursday evening and charged with abuse and neglect of a child. Detectives from our Child Abuse Squad were notified on Jan. 20 after an 8-month-old infant was treated at a local hospital with significant bruising to the upper body. Detectives discovered the infant attended an in-home daycare on Jan. 19 at 10858 Santa Clara Dr. in Fairfax. The parents observed these injuries when they arrived to pick up the infant from the daycare. These injuries were not considered life threatening. Hospital personnel believed the injuries were a result of an assault and contacted Child Protective Services who contacted police.

Detectives determined Shaista Laiq of Fairfax has operated the in-home daycare for over twenty years. After several interviews and additional investigative steps, Laiq was arrested. She was taken to the Adult Detention Center and released on an unsecured bond. The daycare is in the process of being shut down.

Detectives ask anyone whose child attends or previously attended the daycare and believe their child may have had illegal contact with Laiq to call our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 3. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and by web – Click HERE. Download our Mobile tip411 App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars if their information leads to an arrest. Those who wish for a detective to contact them, please leave contact information.  

Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure that the victim’s family is receiving appropriate resources and assistance. 

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