Margate Woman Accused of Hitting Child With Iron, Hanging up on 911, After Reported Suicide Attempt

by Ryan Yousefi September 29, 2026

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Melissa Angelique McAllister. {BSO}

Margate police say a woman hit a child in the head with a clothing iron and blocked her 911 call after a reported suicide attempt.

According to the Margate Police Department, officers responded on September 27 to a residence after receiving a 911 call that was hung up. Police said Melissa Angelique McAllister, 37, told an officer who called back that the child had attempted suicide.

The arrest report does not specify McAllister’s relationship to the girl.

Authorities said the child confirmed the suicide attempt but later told emergency medical personnel that McAllister had hit her in the head with a clothing iron.

According to the report, the girl told police the incident occurred during a verbal argument. She said McAllister struck her on the left side of her face with enough force that she hit a wall.

Officers documented a hematoma on the girl’s head, which she said was painful when touched.

The girl told investigators she attempted to call 911 after being struck, but McAllister allegedly took the phone away from her and disconnected the call.

The child was transported to Broward Health Coral Springs for treatment.

McAllister was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and hindering, delaying, or preventing communication with a law enforcement officer. Authorities transported her to the Broward County Main Jail, where she is being held on a $10,000 bond.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.