SALT LAKE CITY — A man accused of using an airsoft gun to discipline his stepchildren has been arrested in northern Utah.

Joshua Glen Cox, 43, of Richmond, Cache County, was booked into jail for investigation of two counts of child abuse.

Cache County sheriff’s deputies were contacted Monday by the Division of Child and Family Services about possible abuse in the home. Deputies interviewed the mother of two children who claimed Cox abused the children, including shooting them in the head with an airsoft gun and throwing boots at them, according to a police affidavit.

“She stated it is very common for her children to have marks and bruises from Josh hitting them. She stated that he hits them in the head with his knuckles as well as punches them,” according to the affidavit.

She then showed investigators pictures of injuries her children suffered from being shot on Sunday. Her son had a welt on his chest and her daughter had two welts on her head, according to police.

“One welt was right in the center close to her hairline and the other was just above her right eyebrow. (The mother) stated that Joshua was upset because the children had woken him up and he shot them with the airsoft gun,” the affidavit states.

Those who experience domestic violence can call police dispatch at 801-799-3000; the 24-hour victim advocate hotline at 801-580-7969; the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233; or the Utah LINKLine at 800-897-5465.

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