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Child Custody Exchange Turns Violent

Man faces suspected child cruelty charge after Saturday incident, police said.

Police made a pair of arrests Saturday after a child custody exchange turned violent, Livermore Police Sgt. Mike Mayberry said.

At around 10 a.m. officers responded to a report of a man beating another man with a pipe at the Applebee's parking lot on First Street, Mayberry said.

When officers arrived on scene they contacted two males, Betlimus Atai and Mirwais Amoni.

Both men have had previous contact with police over an ongoing custody dispute, Mayberry said.

Police said during Saturday's child custody exchange Atai, 35, pulled his son out of Amoni's vehicle through the driver's side window and dragged him back to his car.

Amoni, 37 and the chid's step father, then reached for a baton in his vehicle and began to strike Atai with the weapon multiple times, Mayberry said.

Amoni was arrested on suspicion of possession of a baton, Mayberry said.

Atai was arrested on suspicion of child cruelty and is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Department 701 of the Gale-Schenone Hall of Justice in Pleasanton. He is currently being held at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin in lieu of a $100,000 bail.

Liz Gully September 23, 2012 at 12:56 am
This is so sad for the child - a friend had issues with her ex and it really affected her child. People need to put aside their issues for the kids. I hope they can get it together.
Mkzishak September 23, 2012 at 01:13 am
My sister and I were there for the after math and the poor child was so shaken. He was torn between both men physically. Bad enough that his shoe was lost And shirt was torn.
The Real Anon September 23, 2012 at 01:14 am
Gotta love these benefits of "diversity".
Nathan21 September 23, 2012 at 01:19 am
So true. It sounds like neither of these guys should be around this kid. Their actions are so detrimental to this kid and his/her future. Also if this is a ongoing issue, what does it take for someone to step in... Whats up with the kids Mom?
Amanda September 23, 2012 at 01:23 am
I work at CVS and saw parts of this sad story unfold. Police had both suspects at gun point and once the arrests were made I saw an officer carrying the young boy and comforting him until Fire and EMS arrived. I pray the boy is ok and I hope both suspects get a severely harsh punishment. There is absolutely NO excuse for their actions, this shouldn't have happened!
Due Yew September 23, 2012 at 03:34 am
it is probalbly OK in their country but NOT here!
My Bohemian Spirit September 23, 2012 at 12:14 pm
This is so very sad for everyone. Unfortunately the family courts rule that children are well suited to both parents regardless of the safety and well being of the children in many cases. Even when there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary it takes a police action for the courts to recognize that there is a problem. Frequently when concerns are brought to the court or law enforcement it is overlooked as mere hearsay or vendetta. The children are literally being torn in two. The mediation and visitation schedules are oftentimes nearly impossible for the parties involved with the children always in transit to fulfill court rulings. All family law cases have been moved to Hayward. Mediation appointments are full, court hearings are constantly rescheduled, missing work for court hearings over and over again all take a toll.
It is not an excuse for violence, but violence may have been the originating factor here and the family/child was not protected as they could have been.
James Buckley September 23, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Most likely way more violence allowed in their country, compared to what happened in our American parking lot. It is just a normal experience for a child to witness back ,I guess. Nice to waste taxpayer man hours and funds on this type of unacceptable behavior. Send them back home, as any future altercations will cost more than the one way ticket back to their homeland.
K September 23, 2012 at 01:57 pm
Sucks for the child. The person who got arrested will probably be out though fast considering they where driving a Ferrari and BMW m3 and the women was in a very nice mercedez. They obviously have money which will fix this problem for them unfortuantly.
Glenn Crosby September 23, 2012 at 03:59 pm
What is wrong with owning a baton? Don't police carry them? What about owning a golf club or tire iron?
libertus_rebelium September 23, 2012 at 04:14 pm
Mom sure can pick some winners.
libertus_rebelium September 23, 2012 at 04:16 pm
Well you ignorant twats, if they are here legally, THIS is their country. Also sounds like you've never seen an Irish Anglo-Saxon custody battle in a trailer park. It is much the same thing.
omar September 23, 2012 at 05:24 pm
Being from the same community (same ethnicity) as the people involved. Let me shed a little light on this for everyone above, including the trailer trash wanting send AMERICAN CITIZENS "back home". Atai's family is known for involvement with the Taliban in Afghanistan, much like those guys that were involved in 9/11 (Atta). They make their money in many ways, including that salvaged 2004 Ferrari he drives. Our government likely knows his involvement, but continues to allow him to travel in and out of the country. The other guy is well known in our community for being a professional, whom we rarely see outside of work. He works to live the American dream, raising a family in a nice community like Livermore. For the trash who would like to send them "home". They are all home, they are all american citizens. The guy working extremely hard to live the american dream, pays more taxes a year then most American families make in a year. His taxes pay for your welfare, medicare/medical (James Buckley). Now father, Atai, is also being investigated for child abuse. The stepfather, being arrested for protecting a defenseless 10 year old, this system is horrendous!!! If your child was being dragged by his arm, hair, and neck...even if it was by the other parent, what would you do? I say good for the step dad, most step dads would care enough to even waste his time like that, let alone get arrested for it. Please think about these issues, as if it where your own child involved,being abused
Crh September 23, 2012 at 05:51 pm
California penal code:
"22210. Except as provided in Section 22215 and Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 17700) of Division 2 of Title 2, any person in this state who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, or possesses any leaded cane, or any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a billy, blackjack, sandbag, sandclub, sap, or slungshot, is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170." Only police and security personnel (& criminals) are allowed to have a baton. It is legal in Arizona but not here.
Alice Ochoa September 23, 2012 at 07:13 pm
I think it is sad. I am of the belief that people that want to turn every thing printed into a race or political statement are simply pathetic individuals. I don't know any of the parties involved and cannot pass judgement on their lifestyles, backgrounds, or what country they are from, nor do I care to. Why don't we get off our superior "High horses" and be respectful to ALL people and remember this article was about a child caught in the middle of an ugly situation.
Alice Ochoa September 23, 2012 at 07:16 pm
I think it is sad. I am of the belief that people that want to turn every thing printed into a race or political statement are simply pathetic individuals. I don't know any of the parties involved and cannot pass judgement on their lifestyles, backgrounds, or what country they are from, nor do I care to. Why don't we get off our superior "High horses" and be respectful to ALL people and remember this article was about a child caught in the middle of an ugly situation.
My Bohemian Spirit September 23, 2012 at 09:42 pm
The courts continue to put the children with violent, abusive parents protecting the rights of the parent to see the child over the safety of the child time and time again! Requiring the family to provide the child to an abusive and violent individual puts everyone in danger every time.
Punishing someone for protecting a child from a known violent individual that the court orders to have contact with is unconscionable! We go through this every 2 weeks! In spite of criminal protection orders, restraining orders, criminal history and history of noncompliance with orders and police investigations of ongoing crminal activity it continues! I am one of these moms and I can assure you I am present and continue to do everything I can to protect my child. I pray every 2 weeks my child returns unharmed. He is traumatized by the system that forces him to endure. His step dad is his hero. His biological dad is nothing but a court ordered tormentor.
Bonnie Russell September 23, 2012 at 09:54 pm
Seems like you aren't clued in as to what goes on "here."
http://www.familylawcourts.com/kids_killed.html
LL September 23, 2012 at 11:21 pm
Very violent behavior. Very sad.
J.C. September 23, 2012 at 11:39 pm
this Country always supports the criminals. Send the jockey home it'll be a better place
libertus_rebelium September 24, 2012 at 02:47 am
@J.C Go water board yourself. You are a waste of skin.
anon September 25, 2012 at 03:14 pm
Nowhere in this article did I see the types of vehicles involved.
vicki September 25, 2012 at 10:39 pm
This child should not ever, EVER be in this situation again. It is apparent that both adults together in this situation will only wreak havoc. Yes, it will go further if it is allowed to continue. I don't care what car they drive, who pays taxes or who doesn't.......BOTH OF THEM are violent individuals.This is TERRIBLE people! I HOPE the courts will AT THE VERY LEAST make the 'adults' be SUPERVISED when the exchange of parental visitation takes place. Also, Why the hell is someone living in Livermore that has ties to the Taliban? No wonder he feels a sense of entitlement. They think our laws don't apply to them. Oh Jeez, I truly hope that is not true.
ITS September 26, 2012 at 01:36 am
I'm sorry Omar..... but it sounds like you are sharing a little too much inside personal information on these guys that may "not be accurate at all", it may just be your opinion and it's obvious that you have a relationship with one of these guys to the point that you know his daily work schedule, unless your his brother or something.... Lets be just and know that theres always another side to a story.... and further we must realize that the child's mom was in love at one point with the father of the child.... and that she wanted him to be the father of her child.... This a family issue that the childs mom and dad should solve in court, not in public in the presence of a little boy.... personal information and issues should be shared and solved in court and not shared on this platform especially if you are not the owner of the ferrari to know its a 2008 or 2004, or if it was bought from beverly hills.... thats not your business or ours.... For us, it seems sad that during a child exchange custody, an assault with a deadly weapon is involved. What if the child was accidently injured by the weapon that was used, or if the weapon lead to other things.
ITS September 26, 2012 at 02:29 am
great comment Vicki...... lets focus, this should be all about the little boy who has had to deal with this!
D. Shepp September 27, 2012 at 05:29 pm
wow we are all GOD's children some of your comments make me sad to be an American, and a vet to boot. I wish there was some place to send the narrow minded thinkers. by the way do you think before you blog or do your fingers just run amuck
KAREN September 27, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Not sure about the "benefits," but this is the result of this country's obsession of being so tolerant!

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Nika Megino (Editor) June 17, 2013 at 10:59 am
Hi Christian! Sorry for the trouble! I've gone in and reapproved your posts. I did, however, deleteRead More the duplicates. Please let me know if you have any more trouble with posting, and again, sorry for the inconvenience with our Spambot!
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Thanks, Nika! I truly appreciate your efforts. I just wish the software would get fixed.
Bridget Carney June 15, 2013 at 10:10 pm
Hi Penelope! I am interested in finding out more about your puppies. Please e-mail me atRead More bridget.carney@gmail.com
Cindy Eckel June 14, 2013 at 08:01 am
Did you try 'Pleasanton Rentals' in Pleasanton...I know you asked for Livermore but this place hasRead More it all!
DeAnna Senft McDaid June 14, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Thank you Cindy I'll give them a call. apprecitate you taking the time.
DeAnna Senft McDaid June 19, 2013 at 01:22 pm
Settled on Partyland. One bottle of free blue syrup with the rental too. Nice touch. Thank you forRead More the tip. It will be a fun party with this little addition! :-)
Abby and Buddy
Beatrice Karnes June 13, 2013 at 08:48 am
They are beautiful and you described them so well! I hope that someone steps forward quickly! (IRead More have my quota of cats already.)
TrueRealist June 12, 2013 at 06:35 pm
It isn't up to the gov. to help raise your kids. The stork didn't drop the kid off unexpectedly. IfRead More you can't afford kids then don't have them.
barbieann June 13, 2013 at 08:39 am
Wow, so quick to jump to conclusions and judge. Maybe T.G. BUYS the child's lunch. Every schoolRead More sells hot lunch every day. At the majority of our schools, more lunches are bought than given for free.
DeAnna Senft McDaid June 13, 2013 at 12:43 pm
The schools give us 2 options as parents. 1. Buying lunches on campus or 2. Send them with a lunch.Read More Clearly the author of this chose number 1 and the school was OUT leaving the child with NO 3rd option. Shame on that school.
Jason Morgan June 9, 2013 at 09:33 pm
A great issue! However, the rodeo is nothing but animal cruelty wrapped up as "tradition"Read More and "entertainment". Why would the animal's welfare become a concern now? Rodeo performers have been documented beating, kicking, and shocking normally docile cows and horses in chutes and holding pens. "Bucking broncos" and steers are provoked with electric prods, sharp sticks, caustic ointments, and the pinching "bucking" strap, which is what really makes them jump, they are not "wild" and "dangerous" . The cowboys earn points by spurring the bucking horse. I have seen them up close and many are bleeding. Calves, roped when running, have their necks snapped back by the lasso, often resulting in neck and back injuries, bruises, broken bones, and internal bleeding. After their short and painful "careers," animals in rodeos are sent to the slaughterhouse. Dr. C.G. Haber, a veterinarian who spent 30 years as a federal meat inspector, describes the animals discarded from rodeos for slaughter as being "so extensively bruised that the only areas in which the skin was attached [to the flesh] was the head, neck, leg, and belly. I have seen animals with six to eight ribs broken from the spine and, at times, puncturing the lungs. I have seen as much as 2 to 3 gallons of free blood accumulated under the detached skin." Every national animal protection organization opposes rodeos because of their inherent cruelty. Don't feel bad everyone, I used to love the rodeo too. Before I knew better...
Bonbrwneyes June 10, 2013 at 09:13 pm
Something to consider and not pushing it aside because I feel its unimportant, but what I'd love toRead More have access to is how the riders that were hurt are doing today. Two bull riders got gored, one in the back and he was down and out for a bit and then obviously not "okay" as he stumbled out of the arena and then another that got his leg hurt and he couldn't get himself over the gate on his own. Left saturday's Rodeo hoping they were okay and would love follow up if at all possible. Thanks!
Danielle Nabozny June 8, 2013 at 03:00 pm
Thank you! That is what we want to know too. We have had more power outages this week than in theRead More 20+ years total that we have lived in this house!
Lynn June 8, 2013 at 07:03 pm
It would be nice to know, indeed. When my husband called to report the outage the recording saidRead More there were no outages in our area, which was clearly incorrect.
AT June 9, 2013 at 06:00 pm
I got the same thing, no outages when I called. I requested to be contacted by PG&E to explainRead More the problem. No call for that but I did get a "survey" call about their automated system. We have also lived here for 20+ years and never had this many outages.
Kari Hulac (Editor) June 8, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Great photos, Kathie..was the horse being evacuated?
Kathie Seymour-Sindicic June 8, 2013 at 12:54 pm
Thank you!! Yes this lady was evacuating this horse. It was the only one a saw be evacuated.