Former Sex Offender Arrested for Allegedly Puncturing Child at Grocery Store

A 40-year-old man with a history of violent offenses against children was arrested in Anderson, Indiana, after allegedly puncturing a six-year-old girl with an unknown sharp object inside a local grocery store on July 9. The incident occurred when the child was seated in a shopping cart within the store.

According to WXIN reports, police were called to the scene following a report of possible child battery. Upon arrival, they found the young victim who had sustained what authorities described as a minor puncture wound requiring medical attention. Witnesses provided crucial information that helped law enforcement identify and locate the suspect's vehicle.

The suspect, identified by local media as William Rothel, was apprehended without incident shortly after the alleged attack. Police discovered ammunition and unused insulin needles in his car during the arrest process. These findings add another layer of concern regarding Rothel’s potential for further violent behavior.

Rothel has a significant criminal history that includes prior convictions involving children. In 2017, he was sentenced to twelve years in prison following an attack at a grocery store where he allegedly grabbed an eight-year-old boy by the neck and held a screwdriver to his throat for two minutes. He was released from prison on December 31, 2025, after completing his sentence.

Upon his release, Rothel was required to adhere to strict probationary terms, including mandatory registration as a sex offender. However, he is now facing additional charges related to the recent incident: bodily injury, residential entry, and failure to register as a sex offender.

The case has raised serious concerns among community members about public safety and the effectiveness of current measures for monitoring individuals with violent criminal histories. Advocates are calling for stricter oversight and more robust support systems to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Local authorities have emphasized their commitment to ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children. They have also urged residents to report any suspicious activity or potential threats immediately to law enforcement.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in managing individuals with a history of violent offenses against minors and underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance public safety measures and support systems for at-risk groups.