![File photo of Maricopa police officers arresting a woman, shown here in an unrelated case. In this case, police charged a woman with child abuse March 22 after a dispute involving a request for photos with firefighters. [Monica D. Spencer]](https://inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/20260324-child-abuse-arrest-gfx-1024x576.jpg)
A Maricopa mother was arrested on felony child abuse charges Sunday after police say she struck her daughter for refusing to take a photo with firefighters during a birthday gathering in Tortosa.
Ayla L. Kuhn, 36, was booked into the Pinal County jail following the March 22 incident at a home on Olivo Street.
Police were dispatched around 3:30 p.m. to a reported assault. According to a probable cause statement, Kuhn had been drinking during the gathering when she asked her daughter to pose for a photo with Maricopa Fire personnel who were at the home assisting a disabled roommate.
When the girl declined, Kuhn slapped her in the face and began yelling, police said.
A man at the home told officers he intervened and tried to escort Kuhn out. During that attempt, Kuhn scratched him multiple times, leaving cuts behind his ear and on his arms, according to the report.
Officers observed redness and swelling on the child’s cheek.
Kuhn was taken to the Maricopa police station, where she provided a breath sample of 0.21 BAC, police said.
Records show the incident is Kuhn’s third domestic violence-related offense within 84 months.
She was booked on suspicion of child abuse, aggravated domestic violence, assault and two counts of disorderly conduct.
2 Responses
“Bad Birthday” sobbing emoji.
Child should be placed with a family member (hopefully) under woman has completed alcohol, parenting and anger management classes.