A Hickory woman faces child abuse and assault charges following recent incidents including one during which a child was allegedly thrown or kicked into a wall. 25-year-old Gabrielle Cierra-Ann Dowdy of 26th Street SW in Hickory was arrested by Catawba County Sheriff’s Officers. She’s charged with misdemeanor counts of child abuse and assault on a child under 12.

According to court documents, Dowdy was a daycare worker when she injured one child under the age of 16 resulting in bruising to the victim’s side area. Court records also show that Dowdy threw or kicked a four-year-old child into a wall. She admitted she was aggressive and it was hard enough to leave a knot on the victim’s head and bruising to the bottom or back area. The second incident was not reported until days later. Both incidents occurred on August 14, according to court documents.

Dowdy was not listed as an inmate in the Catawba County Detention Facility as of Monday (August 24). A Monday court date was scheduled.